How Is Appendicitis Treated? continued...

Antibiotics are given before an appendectomy to fight possible peritonitis. General anesthesia is usually given, and the appendix is removed through a 4-inch incision or by laparoscopy. If you have peritonitis, the abdomen is also irrigated and drained of pus.

Within 12 hours of surgery you may get up and move around. You can usually return to normal activities in 2 to 3 weeks. If surgery is done with a laparoscope (a thin telescope-like instrument for viewing inside the abdomen), the incision is smaller and recovery is faster.

After an appendectomy, call your doctor if you have:

• Uncontrolled vomiting.
• Increased pain in your abdomen.
• Dizziness/feelings of faintness.
• Blood in your vomit or urine.
• Increased pain and redness in your incision.
• Fever.
• Pus in the wound.

Can Appendicitis Be Prevented?

There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology.

VitaDocs Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

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Appendicitis  Digestive Disease  Digestive Diseases 

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