Laparoscopic Appendicectomy
Appendix is a vestigial organ in human beings which has no function. However it has a large nuisance value. If it becomes inflamed it can lead to an emergency known as appendicitis. If not treated in time this can even prove fatal in certain cases. Appendicitis is seen across all age groups and both sexes, however at extremes of age i.e. very young or very old, it can be very dangerous.
Appendix is a long, blind tubular structure hanging from caecum, the starting part of large intestine. The cause of appendicitis is usually not clear. Appendicitis may occur after a viral infection of the digestive tract or when there is obstruction the lumen of appendix as can be caused by hard fecal matter. The inflammation can cause infection, a blood clot, or at times even rupture of the appendix.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis ?
- Abdominal pain – pain may begin in the upper-middle abdomen then develop to sharp localized pain which may be worsened by coughing or walking
- Fever may not be an early symptom but occurs within several hours
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Constipation
- Rectal tenderness
In the presence of above mentioned symptoms a doctor must be consulted on an emergent basis! The most dreaded complication of appendicitis is rupture of the appendix. If not treated early appendix can rupture within 48-72 hours.
Treatment of appendicitis ?
Timely surgical removal of the appendix is the gold standard of treatment for appendicitis. Mild appendicitis may sometimes be suppressed with antibiotics,however the appendicitis usually relapses in such cases. And with each subsequent attack of appendicitis , the risk of complications increase thereby making surgical removal more difficult. Doctors either use an “open” technique or a Minimally Access approach to remove the appendix.
However in case of a severely complicated appendicitis at times Laparoscopic surgery is not possible and appendix has to be removed through a long incision. Thus timely treatment for the disesase is the most advocated norm.
What is a Laparoscopic Appendectomy ?
The Laparoscopic Appendicectomy (Minimally Access) involves removal of appendix though 3-4 tiny incisions in the body. Through the main incision (usually 10mm) a camera is introduced into the body. The camera projects a magnified image of the area onto a television monitor. After having a general look inside whole of the abdomen, the surgeon removes the inflammed appendix though two 5 mm incisions. The entire procedure doesn’t take more than 30 minutes in expert hands.
How is Laparoscopic Appendectomy more beneficial ?
Most cases of acute appendicitis can be treated Laparoscopically. The main advantages are:
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery and return to normal activity
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less post-operative complications
- Minimally sized incisions/scars
