Appendicectomy

Need to know

• What happens during surgery? icon plus

  Appendicectomies can be carried out using keyhole and open surgery techniques.
  
  Keyhole (laparoscopic) appendicectomy
  
  Your consultant surgeon will make a few small cuts in your abdomen (tummy). They'll then pass a laparoscope (a flexi-scope with a light and camera) into your abdomen. With the inside of your abdomen showing on a screen, your surgeon will remove your appendix using small surgical instruments.
  
  Open appendicectomy
  
  Your consultant general surgeon will make a large cut in the lower-right side of your abdomen. They'll then be able to access and remove your appendix. Open appendicectomies are often carried out if your appendix has already burst.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Both keyhole and open appendicectomies are carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep. As a result, you'll be asked to limit your food and drink intake in the hours leading up the procedure. You'll also be asked to put on anti-thrombosis tights to wear during the procedure. These will help to prevent blood clots.

• After having your appendix removed icon plus

  After your consultant surgeon has removed your appendix, they'll close the cuts they've made using stitches. You'll then be transferred to one of our recovery wards, where our dedicated nurses and consultants will care for you. If you've had a keyhole appendicectomy, you may be able to leave hospital after a few days. If you've had an open appendicectomy, you may be able to leave within 24 hours.
  
  You may experience pain, bursting and some short-term constipation for a few days after your appendicectomy. Your recovery time will vary depending on the nature of your appendicectomy.