Appendectomy (cont.)
What are the complications of appendectomy?
The most common complication of appendectomy is infection of the wound, that
is, of the surgical incision. Such infections vary in severity from mild, with
only redness and perhaps some tenderness over the incision, to moderate,
requiring only antibiotics, to severe, requiring antibiotics and surgical
treatment. Occasionally, the inflammation and infection of appendicitis are so
severe that the surgeon will not close the incision at the end of the surgery
because of concern that the wound is already infected. Instead, the surgical
closing is postponed for several days to allow the infection to subside with
antibiotic therapy and make it less likely for infection to occur within the
incision.
Another complication of appendectomy is an abscess, a collection of pus in
the area of the appendix. Although abscesses can be drained of their pus
surgically, there are also non-surgical techniques, as previously discussed.
Are there long-term consequences of appendectomy?
It is not clear if the appendix has an important role in the body in older
children and adults. There are no major, long-term health problems resulting
from removing the appendix although a slight increase in some diseases has been
noted, for example, Crohn's disease.
- The appendix is a small, worm-like appendage attached to the colon.
- Appendicitis occurs when bacteria invade and infect the wall of theappendix.
- The most common complications of appendicitis are abscess and peritonitis.
- The most common manifestations of appendicitis are pain, fever, andabdominal tenderness.
- Appendicitis usually is suspected on the basis of a patient's historyand physical examination; however, a white blood cell count, urinalysis, abdominal x-ray, barium enema, ultrasonography, CT, and laparoscopy also may be helpful in diagnosis.
- Due to the varying size and location of the appendix and the proximity of other organs to the appendix, it may be difficult to differentiate appendicitis from other abdominal and pelvic diseases.
- The treatment for appendicitis usually is antibiotics and removal of the appendectomy.
- Complications of appendectomy include wound infection and abscess.
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2003
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