Appendicectomy

An appendicectomy, also known as appendectomy, is a common and safe surgical procedure to remove your appendix if you have appendicitis.

Appendicitis is a painful inflammation of your appendix.

Your appendix is a small organ found in the right lower side of your stomach. Doctors don’t know the exact function of your appendix but they do know that its removal does not cause any problems.

If appendicitis is left untreated your appendix may burst. This is known as a ruptured appendix. The infected contents of your appendix then flow into your abdominal cavity and can cause inflammation of the membrane lining your abdominal wall and organs. This is a serious medical emergency called peritonitis.

Doctors perform an appendicectomy to treat appendicitis and to prevent a ruptured appendix.

You will have a general anaesthetic before your appendicectomy. Surgery to remove your appendix can be performed by making a large cut called open appendectomy, or smaller cuts known as laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) appendectomy. Blood vessels that supply your appendix are clamped and your appendix is cut and removed. Your doctor will make the decision whether to perform an open or laparoscopic appendicectomy based on your circumstances. For example, open appendicectomies are often carried out if your appendix has already burst. Otherwise, laparoscopic surgery is usually the preferred type of appendicectomy as recovery is quicker than with open surgery.

The incisions for an appendectomy will depend on the type of appendectomy you are having.

• Open appendectomy - a large cut is made in the lower right side of your abdomen, through your skin, muscle wall and peritoneum.
• Keyhole (laparoscopic) appendicectomy – a few small incisions are made in your abdomen. This allows a long tube with a camera on the end, called a laparoscope, and small instruments to be inserted into your abdomen to perform the operation.

Your recovery process after an appendicectomy procedure will depend on the type of surgery you have had.

Laparoscopic appendicectomies tend to have a quicker recovery than open appendicectomies. .

Most people who have a laparoscopic appendicectomy can leave the hospital after 24 hours to a few days of their operation.

If you have an open appendicectomy, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week after your surgery. .

You can expect some pain, constipation and bruising for the first few days after your appendicectomy. Painkillers will ease the discomfort. You may have pain in the tip of your shoulder after a laparoscopic appendicectomy for about a week due to gas being pumped into your abdomen during surgery. .

Our hospital staff will give you advice on caring for your wound and any activities that you should avoid. You can expect to resume normal activities within a couple of weeks. If you had an open appendicectomy you may be advised to avoid more strenuous activities for a month or so.

The cost of an appendicectomy procedure will depend on the exact type of appendicectomy surgery you require and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

These are guide package prices that estimate the costs of your procedure. .

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation and any required tests with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your appendicectomy surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Appendicectomy is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your operation.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your appendicectomy yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all your treatment and aftercare for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.