$Unique_ID{BRK00173}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What Occurs During an Appendix Operation}
$Subject{appendix surgery procedure}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Occurs During an Appendix Operation


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QUESTION:  Please explain what goes on during an operation to remove the
appendix.

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ANSWER:  The appendix is a small, useless, dead-end tube near the start of
the large intestine.  An inflamed appendix must be removed or it ruptures
and infects the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis and possibly
death.
     The surgeon makes an incision on the right side of the abdomen and
ties off the appendix (if it hasn't ruptured) before cutting it, to keep
its contents from spilling.  If everything goes well, the patients stays
in the hospital for a few days to a week and can resume normal activities
in three to six weeks.  If the appendix ruptures, strong antibiotics are
used, and the patient may need a drain inserted at the incision.
Hospitalization and convalescence will be longer in such a case.
     Because a ruptured appendix is so serious, an appendectomy is
performed in almost all patients with symptoms of appendicitis.  About 10%
of these people will have a perfectly normal appendix, but it's better to
remove a healthy appendix then risk leaving a bad one in.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
