Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery

Laparoscopic appendectomy surgery refers to the treatment of appendicitis, a condition seen in many people, using a minimally invasive surgical method. This condition, also known as a 'burst appendix' by the public, is an extremely risky situation that can be life-threatening. Today, this problem can be easily treated with laparoscopic appendectomy. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, serving his patients in Adana, explained what laparoscopic appendectomy surgery is, its risks, and advantages.

What is Appendicitis?

Severe pain and infection occur as a result of inflammation of the appendix, a part located on the cecum. This condition is defined as appendicitis. The most common symptoms are severe pain in the groin and leg junction area and nausea.

The appendix is located just below the junction of the small and large intestines. It has a length of approximately seven centimeters. Structurally, it is a part of the intestine. Inflammation and infection occurring in this hollow part of the intestine cause appendicitis.

What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

If we need to examine the commonly observed symptoms of appendicitis one by one:

Abdominal Pain – Severe abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by appendicitis patients. Abdominal pain spreads throughout the abdomen and continues constantly. However, if there is pain described as knife-like in the lower right part of the abdomen, this is also considered an indicator of appendicitis. If pressure is applied to this point of the abdomen, the pain intensifies. Generally, it begins to be felt around the belly button. Over time, it settles in the lower right abdominal region. Abdominal pain begins to intensify within four to six hours.

Constipation – Another symptom of appendicitis, besides appendicitis pain, is constipation. Appendicitis patients may have difficulty defecating.

Nausea – Nausea and vomiting accompany pain in approximately 75% of appendicitis patients. Nausea and vomiting are observed in patients after severe abdominal pain. If vomiting starts first and pain is later added to this picture, it is not considered appendicitis.

Loss of Appetite – Many patients experience loss of appetite before appendicitis. Pains occur after appetite loss.

Fever: A fever of 38 degrees Celsius can be seen in appendicitis. However, no increase in fever is expected.

How is Appendicitis Felt?

Many patients experiencing abdominal pain worry whether their condition is appendicitis. To understand if you are experiencing appendicitis, you need to observe the following criteria:

• If the pain you feel in the lower right part of your abdomen increases even when you gently touch your abdomen, you may suspect appendicitis.
• If you feel your abdominal area more swollen and hard in addition to the pain,
• If you have difficulty walking in addition to the pain and the pain intensifies while walking,
• If the severity of the pain decreases when you lie down with your legs pulled towards your abdomen,
• If the pains do not decrease in any way and tend to intensify progressively, it may mean you are experiencing appendicitis. In such cases, you should go to the nearest health institution without losing time.

How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

If there is persistent and increasing abdominal pain, it is recommended to consult the nearest healthcare institution. In this case, the doctor first performs a physical examination. If the pain intensifies when the lower right abdomen is touched, the doctor suspects appendicitis. Subsequently, a blood count test is performed to determine if there is a bacterial infection in the blood. If a bacterial infection is found, the diagnosis of appendicitis is confirmed.

What is Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery?

Today, laparoscopic surgery is preferred for the surgical treatment of appendicitis cases. In laparoscopic appendectomy, a small tube is inserted into the patient's body through the navel area. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas. This raises the abdominal wall, creating space for surgical intervention. Then, a lighted camera and surgical equipment are placed into the body. The images obtained from the camera are projected onto a monitor and guide the surgeon during the operation. Appendicitis is treated as in open surgical operations.

The base and blood vessel of the appendix are ligated, and the appendix is removed. Afterwards, the carbon dioxide gas applied into the abdomen is released, and the minimal incisions made in the abdominal wall are closed with sutures. The surgery is then completed. The operation can be completed within approximately thirty minutes. The recovery process after laparoscopic appendectomy is much faster and more comfortable compared to open surgical operations. If there are other problems in the patient's abdomen during the operation, the surgeon can also intervene. Patients are discharged from the hospital within one or two days after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Why is Laparoscopic Appendectomy Preferred?

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as closed surgery in general society, minimizes the pain complaints the patient will experience after surgery. The size and visibility of the scar are smaller than in open surgeries. In laparoscopic appendectomy, intra-abdominal adhesions, surgical site infections, and similar complications are much rarer. In addition, the time the patient needs to be kept under observation in the hospital after the surgery is quite short. After laparoscopic appendectomy, patients can return to their daily lives and work much faster than after open surgeries.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy Prices

The prices and costs of laparoscopic appendectomy are shaped by numerous factors such as the quality of the surgical equipment and technologies used, the surgeon's expertise and experience, and the clinic's technological equipment. To get up-to-date and precise information about the prices of laparoscopic appendectomy, you can contact Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana.