Appendectomy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Appendix removal is a surgical procedure performed as a treatment for appendicitis. This can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children, the elderly, and women of childbearing age. Healthcare experts don’t recommend appendix removal surgery immediately but might consider it after carefully examining the patient who has the following symptoms:
- Mild pain in the beginning, which can become severe and sharp as time passes by.
- The pain and discomfort may move into the area of the lower abdomen.
On the other hand, appendicitis symptoms may also include:
- Moderate fever
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting and nausea
Diagnosis Before Appendix Surgery
While not all cases call for appendix removal, if patients experience appendicitis symptoms, they should seek medical assistance immediately.
After visiting their healthcare provider, the doctor will examine the abdominal area and might perform a pelvic or rectal exam. They may recommend blood tests, an ultrasound, or a CT scan as well to rule out any other disease or medical issue.
The Goal of Appendix Removal
The main aim of the procedure is to remove the infected appendix before it ruptures. Still, only after a thorough examination will the doctor decide whether the surgery is required or not.
The Surgical Process
Appendectomy, or the removal of the appendix, is among the most common surgeries that focus on the abdominal area. The appendix is a tiny organ resembling the shape of a finger. It comes out of the large intestine’s first part, and it usually needs to be removed when it swells ups or becomes infected. If left untreated, the appendix can leak bacteria and infect the entire area, which may be extremely severe, often leading to life-threatening complications.
The problem is that appendicitis may be challenging to diagnose correctly, but still, when the doctor establishes the proper diagnosis, chances are they will opt for appendix removal. In most cases, doctors will schedule their appendicitis patients for emergency surgery. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will administer anesthesia, which means that the appendix removal surgery will be pain-free.
Then, the doctor will make a tiny incision in the belly’s lower right side to remove the appendix. In the case you opt for our practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we will use the laparoscopic technique, which means there will be several tiny abdominal cuts, but no need to worry.
In case the appendix breaks open, the doctor will clean the affected area of the belly during the procedure. Following treatment, a small tube will probably remain in the area to drain out the pus or fluids.
Fortunately, recovery time from appendix removal is usually pretty rapid. Most patients can leave the hospital within one or two days following surgery and will make a full recovery within two to four weeks.
