Does appendicitis surgery hurt?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Appendectomy is performed under either epidural or general anesthesia, so the procedure is completely painless. However, postoperatively, as the anesthesia wears off, there may be slight pain at the incision site. Painkillers can be taken if the pain is intolerable. Additionally, close monitoring of vital signs is important postoperatively. Regular dressing changes at the surgical site and dietary control are required. For the first one to two days after surgery, a semi-liquid diet is recommended. From the third to the fifth day, patients can gradually transition to a normal diet. Furthermore, consuming high-protein foods can enhance nutrition and promote healing of the incision.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Does chronic appendicitis cause fever?

Chronic appendicitis typically presents clinically as recurring pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen. Usually, there are no signs of fever with chronic appendicitis. Only when the inflammation of chronic appendicitis is uncontrolled might a low-grade fever occur. Sometimes, when chronic appendicitis undergoes an acute episode and becomes a purulent infection, high fever can occur. In such cases of chronic appendicitis with high fever, complications like appendix perforation, diffuse peritonitis, and septicemia can arise. Therefore, if fever occurs in chronic appendicitis, timely anti-infection treatment should be administered. If the infection is not well-controlled, timely surgical treatment is recommended.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can appendicitis be contagious?

Appendicitis is a nonspecific inflammation occurring in the lumen of the appendix. It is not contagious, therefore, it is not an infectious disease. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, it is mostly treated surgically because the main blood supply to the appendix is the appendicular artery, which can easily lead to ischemic necrosis during inflammation. If controlled solely by medication, symptoms are likely to recur easily. Currently, appendectomy is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, under laparoscopy, which results in less bleeding during surgery and faster recovery afterward. Generally, if there is no suppuration or perforation, patients can be discharged three days after surgery. Postoperative care should be enhanced, including eating more vegetables to prevent constipation.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does appendicitis surgery require an incision?

Appendicitis surgery can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive treatment. Open surgery involves a traditional incision at McBurney's point to remove the appendix, which is now rarely used, predominantly replaced by minimally invasive treatment under laparoscopy. The procedure is the same for both methods, involving ligation of the appendicular artery followed by cutting the appendix at its base and suturing the stump. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include less intraoperative bleeding, faster postoperative recovery, and less physical trauma. Patients can choose between open surgery or minimally invasive treatment based on their personal circumstances and financial conditions.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is appendicitis contagious?

Appendicitis is an inflammation that occurs in the lumen of the appendix, including acute appendicitis and chronic appendicitis. Appendicitis is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease, but rather a purulent inflammation. Therefore, there is no need to isolate patients with appendicitis. Appendicitis usually requires surgical removal, but it is important to note that surgery should not be performed if acute appendicitis has been present for more than 72 hours, or if an abscess has formed. The majority of surgeries are performed using laparoscopic appendectomy, a method which allows for a faster recovery post-operation.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to relieve pain from acute appendicitis

For rapid pain relief in acute appendicitis, one can choose antispasmodic or sedative medications. However, it is important to note that acute appendicitis often requires surgical treatment clinically. If the pain is not particularly severe, conservative medication treatment can also be chosen, using sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory pain relief. If surgery involves appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy is generally chosen, which has less intraoperative bleeding and quicker postoperative recovery. Only after the appendix is removed can the onset of acute appendicitis be effectively controlled or the transition from acute to chronic appendicitis prevented. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)