Know What's an Appendicitis with Laparoscopy
Appendectomy with laparoscopy is a surgical procedure to remove appendix or appendix which is infected by using laparoscopic method. Apendectomy with laparoscopy is an alternative method of open appendix surgery.
Appendix is an organ in the body that resembles a pouch, and it is attached to the large intestine in the right abdomen under. The appendix is about 4-10 cm in size and its function is not known until now.
The appendix may become inflamed due to a bacterial infection that occurs when the appendix opening is blocked by the stool. This condition is also called appendicitis. If appendicitis is not treated promptly, the appendix may rupture and cause bacteria and fecal particles to enter the abdominal cavity. This can lead to a serious condition called peritonitis and can be life threatening.
The most common type of appendicitis treatment is surgical removal of the appendix or appendectomy. Appendectomy may be performed by open surgical technique or by laparoscopy. The appendectomy with laparoscopy was performed using laparoscope, a thin and long hose-shaped tool, and equipped with a camera and light at the edges.
Operation of appendicitis with laparoscopy has several advantages over open surgery methods, including:
- Pain is lighter than open surgery
- The patient is not hospitalized too long.
- The healing process is faster.
- Smaller scars
Indications of Gutting-through with Laparoscopy
Appendectomy, either openly or laparoscopically , performed on patients with appendicitis. However, laparoscopic method is recommended as the first choice in handling of the appendix compared to open surgery procedures, because of the various benefits that patients can gain. However, appendectomy with laparoscopy is still performed with several considerations, including:
- The patient's physical condition allows for laparoscopy.
- The hospital provides laparoscopic equipment.
- Doctors have the skills to use laparoscopes.
In addition, appendectomy with laparoscopy is also highly recommended to treat patients with appendicitis under the following conditions:
- Have an obesity.
- Suffer from another disease, such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Seniors.
- Children
Warning:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to ingredients contained in anesthetic agents.
- Give know your doctor if you have a blood clotting disorder, or have a history of heart and lung disease.
- Tell the doctor what kind of medication or supplement you are taking, er blood. Doctors may encourage patients to stop taking medication before undergoing surgery.
- Let your doctor know if you have had a previous abdominal surgery or have intestinal obstruction.
- Let your doctor know when you are pregnant.
Before the Operation of Appendicitis with Laparoscopy
Before the patient undergoes an appendectomy with laparoscopy, the doctor will explain various matters relating to surgery and risk procedures that might happen. Once the patient understands the procedure to be performed, the doctor or nurse will issue a statement to be signed by the patient.
The doctor will also conduct a medical history of the patient, including complaints of symptoms experienced by the patient, , and history of allergies. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and laboratory examination (blood test and urine test). If necessary, the doctor will perform some investigations, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI.
In addition, there are several things that patients need to prepare and do before undergoing appendectomy with laparoscopy, among others:
- Fasting for approximately 8 hours.
- Invite family members or close colleagues to accompany patients during the hospital and deliver the patient home. This is done because the patient may still be under the influence of anesthetic drugs, so it is not possible to drive a vehicle. After the patient arrives at the hospital, the nurse will instruct the patient to remove all the jewelry and other objects being worn, as well as removing clothes and replacing them with surgical gowns. Furthermore, the doctor or nurse will place an IV hose in the patient's arm to distribute the drug and fluids during the procedure. The patient will feel pain and discomfort when the IV needle is inserted. After the preparation is completed and the doctor has confirmed the patient's condition is stable, the patient will be taken to the operating room.
The procedure for appendix operation with laparoscopy generally lasting approximately 1 hour. Here are the steps of appendectomy with laparoscopy:
- The patient will be laid on the operating table with the supine position.
- The anesthesiologist will inject anesthetic drugs through the tube infusion. The type of anesthesia used in this procedure is general anesthesia or general anesthesia, so the patient will fall asleep during the procedure.
- The surgeon will make 1-3 small incisions in the abdomen around the navel as access to insert a surgical instrument that will be used during the procedure.
- A small tube will be inserted to deliver the carbon dioxide gas into the patient's abdominal cavity, so that the stomach expands and the doctor can see the condition of the appendix and other organs clearly through the monitor screen.>
- The laparoscope is then inserted through the hole and directed to the appendix section.
- With the help of another surgical instrument, the doctor will bind the appendix with stitches, then cut and lift it.
- After the procedure is completed, carbon dioxide will be removed from the patient's abdominal cavity, and the doctor will lift the laparoscope as well as all the surgical instruments.
- The doctor will close the cut of the incision with the stitches at au surgical staples.
- The incision area will be covered with surgical bandages or plasters
The appendix that has been removed will be carried and analyzed in the laboratory. If the doctor finds a disorder that causes appendectomy removal can not be done with laparoscopy, then the doctor will perform an open surgery procedure. There are several conditions that cause appendicitis surgery to be done with open surgery, among others:
- Swelling in the abdomen, so doctors difficult to see the condition of organs with laparoscope.
- rupture or perforation.
- Peritonitis or abscess
- Hemorrhage during laparoscopic procedure
- Appendicular position is abnormal.
After Operation of Appendicitis with Laparoscopy
After the action is completed, the patient will be taken to the observation room. The doctor will examine the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing frequency. The patient may feel pain in the shoulder and mild constipation for several days due to the carbon dioxide gas used during the procedure. The length of recovery time depends on several things, namely:
- The patient's overall physical condition.
- The type of anesthesia used during surgery.
- The body's reaction to surgery.
After the doctor has confirmed that the patient's vital signs are stable and the patient is fully awake, the doctor will assess whether to allow the patient to go home or have to undergo hospitalization.
Doctors will provide medicines to be consumed during recovery, such as antibiotics to prevent infection and painkillers, either at home or during hospitalization. In addition, the doctor will also provide some instructions that can be done during the patient's restoration at home, including:
- Resting enough to speed up the healing process.
- the incision remains clean and dry.
- Do not lift heavy weights for at least 2 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activity, such as aerobic exercise, cycling or jogging.
- soak for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Eat nutritious foods and increase fluid intake.
- Doing exercises runs regularly. Walking helps to smooth the flow of blood and prevent constipation.
- Take medicine as directed by physician.
- Conduct regular checks to prevent complications after surgery
Patients may undergo normal activity at least 2-3 weeks after undergoing appendicitis with laparoscopy.
Operation of appendicitis with Laparoscopy
Operation of appendix with laparoscopy is a relatively safe operating procedure performed. However, there are some risks that may be experienced by patients, although rare. Among these are:
- Bleeding
- Injection of surgical wound.
- Injury to organs around the operating area, such as small intestine, urethra, or bladder.
- Lump blood clots
- Leak at the edge of the large bowel where the appendix is undergoing removal.
Call your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital if experiencing the following conditions:
- Fever with body temperature greater than 39 degrees Celsius.
- Nausea or vomiting continuously.
- Breathlessness
- The pain does not go away despite taking painkillers.
- Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than 3 days.
- Redness and swelling in the incision area.
- Appears pus in the incision area.
- Bleeding