Patient Education: Appendectomy

1. Understanding Appendectomy

What it is:
An appendectomy is surgery to remove your appendix, a small finger-shaped organ on the lower right side of your belly.

Why it’s needed:
It is needed when the appendix becomes infected, which is called appendicitis. If not treated, it can burst and cause serious infection in the belly.

Types of Appendectomy:

Open surgery: One larger cut in your belly.
Laparoscopic surgery: Several small cuts and use of a camera to remove the appendix.

Location and severity:

The appendix is in the lower right part of your belly.
Infection severity can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how inflamed or burst the appendix is.

Causes / Risk Factors:

Blockage inside the appendix (from stool, infection, or swelling)
Family history
Infection or illness that affects the digestive system

2. Symptoms to Watch For

After surgery, watch for signs of infection or complications:

Redness spreading around the wound
Warmth or swelling at the surgical site
Pus or unusual drainage
Fever
Severe belly pain or vomiting that does not go away

Delayed complications can include bowel blockage, hernia at the surgical site, or infection inside the belly.

3. Post-Hospitalization Information

Follow all your discharge instructions carefully.
Take all prescribed medications on time.
Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor.

4. Home Management & Recovery

Pain management:

Take prescribed pain medicine as instructed.
Use a pillow to support your belly when coughing or moving.

Mobility:

Walk short distances soon after surgery to prevent blood clots.
Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by your doctor.

Wound care:

Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for dressing changes.
Call your doctor or home health nurse if the wound looks infected.

Rest and rehabilitation:

Rest often and gradually increase activity.
Gentle exercises may be recommended to help you regain strength.

5. Prevention of Complications

Infection prevention:

Wash hands before touching your wound.
Keep dressings clean and dry.
Avoid swimming or soaking until cleared by your doctor.

Fall prevention:

Remove loose rugs and clutter.
Use railings and good lighting when moving around.

Monitoring for delayed symptoms:

Watch for fever, severe pain, vomiting, or unusual swelling.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual.

6. When to Contact Home Health vs. ER

Contact home health or your doctor if:

Mild pain, minor swelling, or concerns about wound care
Questions about medications or activity

Go to the ER immediately if:

Severe abdominal pain
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Persistent vomiting or inability to eat/drink
Redness spreading rapidly, pus, or foul odor from wound

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False (20 Questions)

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.

TRUE or FALSE: The appendix is a small organ on the left side of your belly.
TRUE or FALSE: Appendectomy removes your appendix.
TRUE or FALSE: Appendectomy is done because of appendicitis.
TRUE or FALSE: Laparoscopic surgery uses one large cut.
TRUE or FALSE: Open surgery uses one larger cut.
TRUE or FALSE: A burst appendix can cause serious infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever after surgery is normal and never a concern.
TRUE or FALSE: Redness, warmth, or pus around the wound can be signs of infection.
TRUE or FALSE: You should avoid walking after surgery to prevent pain.
TRUE or FALSE: Pain medicine should be taken as prescribed.
TRUE or FALSE: You should keep the wound clean and dry.
TRUE or FALSE: Handwashing is important to prevent infection.
TRUE or FALSE: You can lift heavy objects right after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle exercises may help you recover.
TRUE or FALSE: Fall prevention includes removing trip hazards.
TRUE or FALSE: You should contact your doctor for mild wound concerns.
TRUE or FALSE: Persistent vomiting or severe pain requires going to the ER.
TRUE or FALSE: Swimming is safe immediately after appendectomy.
TRUE or FALSE: Infection can develop days after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: It is important to attend follow-up appointments.

Answer Key with Explanations

FALSE – The appendix is on the right side of your belly.
TRUE – Appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix.
TRUE – Appendectomy is needed for appendicitis, an inflamed appendix.
FALSE – Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts and a camera.
TRUE – Open surgery uses one larger cut.
TRUE – A burst appendix can cause serious infection in the belly.
FALSE – Fever can be a sign of infection and should be checked.
TRUE – Redness, warmth, and pus are warning signs of infection.
FALSE – Walking helps prevent blood clots and speeds recovery.
TRUE – Take pain medication as prescribed.
TRUE – Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection.
TRUE – Handwashing reduces the risk of infection.
FALSE – Avoid heavy lifting until your doctor says it is safe.
TRUE – Gentle exercises help regain strength.
TRUE – Removing hazards helps prevent falls.
TRUE – Contact your doctor for wound concerns before they get worse.
TRUE – Severe pain or vomiting may be an emergency.
FALSE – Avoid swimming until your doctor allows it.
TRUE – Infection can develop even days after surgery.
TRUE – Follow-up appointments help your recovery and monitoring.