Appendectomy also known as appendicectomy is the removal of appendix through the surgical procedure. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that protrudes out from the start of the colon. The inflammation causes a condition known as appendicitis. Appendectomy is done by use of spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia. A small cut is made from the right side of the stomach to get rid of the appendix. In the case of infection, the abdomen is washed during surgery. Some of the symptoms of appendicitis are pain around the stomach, fever, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and nausea.
The patient is prepared before the surgery begins. Several tests are carried out few days before the surgery. They vary according to the health and the age of the patient. A medical history is obtained before the surgery by the medical anesthesiologist. It helps to understand the conditions that the patient might have and whether they are under any treatment, for example, herbal medication. A day before the surgery the patient is not allowed to eat or drink anything. Just before the operation, an IV is administered for medication and fluid to prevent any possible infection. A sedative is administered to help the patient relax. A small tube called catheter is inserted into the patient’s bladder to drain urine during the procedure (Jaffe & Samuels, 2004, p. 32).
The patient is placed in the supine position such that the legs are put together, and the right hand is angled. The left hand is placed parallel to the body to allow the surgical technologists and his assistant to work from the left side. The caregiver should be extra careful to avoid the injury of the patient. The supine position allows the best exposure of the appendix since the bowel is in such a way it cannot hinder a clear view of the organ.
The surgical environment should also be safe and sterile. All the operating room occupants should be free of any microorganisms that may lead to infection. The aseptic technique should be applied especially during draping. The patient and the bed are surrounded with sterile drapes isolating the area of the surgical wound. Drapes should be made from a material that is fluid resistant and free of punctures. The operating room occupants have a particular attire to be used during the surgery. Head covers and surgical masks should always be worn in an OR. Sterile gloves are also essential to avoid contamination.
In case the appendix has, burst, open surgery is done. An extended cut is made in the middle of the stomach. After the removal of the appendix, the incision is closed with the use of the dissolvable stitches. After the procedure, the nurses in charge will regularly monitor the body temperature of a patient and observe the wound make sure there are no complications associated with the surgery (Rogers, 2010, p. 16). The patient is allowed to eat after 24 hours after surgery.
References
Jaffe, R. A., & Samuels, S. I. (2004). Anesthesiologist's manual of surgical procedures. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Rogers, J. T. (2010). Gastric bypass: Surgical procedures, health effects and common complications. New York: Nova Science Publishers.
