A common disorder of the appendix is appendicitis.
appendicitis
Surgical procedures to treat disorders of the appendix include:
Appendectomy
An appendectomy is performed using general anesthesia, so the patient is in a deep sleep and pain-free. A small incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen and the appendix is removed. If a pocket of infection has formed or the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery and a small tube may be left in to help drain fluids.
Laparascopic Appendectomy
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the skin. The laparoscope is connected to a video camera which projects a view of the operative site onto monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon manipulates these instruments to perform the adrenalectomy.
Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible. There will be three or four tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar. There will also be less risk of hernia development and less chronic pain resulting from nerve damage. In addition, the patient will have reduced postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a shorter recovery time leading to a quicker return to daily activities, including work. After the surgery, it is important to follow the doctors instructions after surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few days, the patient may need to take it easy for two to four weeks.
