An appendectomy, or removal of the appendix, it’s a common general surgery procedure that removes the appendix from the body. This is a common emergency surgical operation performed in the event of appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. Stitches will be needed, and it can take a few weeks for the incision site to heal, leaving a visible scar in most cases. Because of the scar that serves as a reminder of their procedure, many patients feel self-conscious. Fortunately, scar control following surgery has never been simpler with the correct products and wound care techniques.
Following an appendectomy, the majority of patients recuperate well at home. Here are some things you may notice in the initial days following surgery, along with suggestions on what to do:
1. Dressing
A transparent plastic (Tegaderm) covering will be placed over a white gauze dressing. Two days following surgery, remove this garment. Little white bandages (Steri-strips) are placed below the gauze dressing(s). Usually, they disappear within one to three weeks.
2. Pain
You may be experiencing abdominal pain. Shoulder discomfort may also arise in those who have laparoscopic surgery. Use the medication that the surgeon prescribed to lessen your discomfort. After taking the pain medication, contact your surgeon if the pain fails to get better or if it gets worse.
3. Lack of Appetite
Following surgery, you might not feel like eating. Start with clear drinks, such as water and chicken broth. When hunger strikes a little more, provide simple things like crackers.
Permit yourself to eat. Two days following the procedure, if you are still not drinking or have not begun to eat, contact your physician.
4. Stitches
The incision is held together with stitches. Either your sutures will show through, or they won’t. The not-visible ones don’t have to be removed. They are subcutaneous and will be taken up by the body. Your doctor will remove the visible sutures, either blue or black.
5. Scar After Surgery
Maintaining a clean, protected, and hydrated wound following an appendectomy is the first step in preventing the formation of an atypical scar. You may reduce the chance of infection and expedite the healing process of wounds by taking this action. After the incision has completely healed and scarring has begun, you can use topical silicone gel to stop the formation of undesirable scar forms. The doctor’s suggested option for non-surgical scar treatment is medical-grade silicone.
6. Lethargy
You should expect to feel fatigued for many days following surgery. Permit yourself to relax when required. If, after around a week following surgery, you still feel less energized, call your surgeon.
7. Sore Throat
Your throat may hurt after using the breathing tube for anesthetic. The soreness ought to subside after a day or two. To reduce discomfort, consume cold beverages and ice chips.
8. Diarrhea
The process of having a bowel movement (poop) may take several days. Your bowel movements should return to normal once you resume eating and drinking.
Call your surgeon if you have not had a period after two days following the procedure. Occasionally, the surgeon could suggest taking a little laxative.
9. High Temperature
A mild temperature of about 99°F (37°C) is possible for some people in the first 48 hours following surgery. It ought to disappear in two days. Call the surgeon if your fever is 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher. This can indicate an infection.
Wrapping Up
It’s common to feel weak and exhausted for a few days following your operation until you go home. In addition, you can get headaches, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. Usually, this passes after a few days. The sort of surgery you underwent will determine how long it took you to heal. Without an appendix, your body will not function properly. There won’t be any dietary or lifestyle adjustments required.