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Appendectomy (Appendix Removal) in Dnipro

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix (a small pouch attached to the large intestine). It is most often performed due to inflammation known as appendicitis. This is one of the most common emergency surgeries, aimed at preventing appendix rupture and the development of peritonitis. According to statistics, appendicitis accounts for 89% of all acute abdominal diseases. The surgery can be performed either through a traditional open approach or via a laparoscopic method, which is less invasive. Early intervention significantly reduces the risk of complications and leads to better outcomes for the patient.

Indications for Appendix Removal

The need for an appendectomy is determined after a detailed examination and collection of the patient’s medical history. The procedure is necessary in the following cases:

Acute appendicitis: The most common reason, where the appendix becomes inflamed, causing severe pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Suspected appendix rupture after trauma: If there's a risk or signs that the appendix might rupture, urgent surgery is required to prevent peritonitis—a life-threatening abdominal infection.
Appendicular abscess: A buildup of pus around the appendix due to perforation, which requires surgical drainage and removal of the infected tissue.
Chronic appendicitis: Ongoing inflammation that causes periodic pain and discomfort in the lower right abdomen.
Atypical symptoms of appendicitis: In some cases, when symptoms are unclear but inflammation is suspected, an appendectomy may be recommended to prevent complications.

Contraindications to Appendix Removal

In cases of acute appendicitis, the only absolute contraindication is a terminal (agonal) state of the patient. If there are accompanying health issues, doctors work to quickly stabilize the patient before proceeding with surgery. The choice of surgical method depends on the patient’s condition and is made by the surgeon. Contraindications to laparoscopic appendectomy may include:

Uncontrolled coagulopathy
Diffuse peritonitis
Multiple abdominal wall fistulas

If these contraindications are present, the appendectomy is performed using the open (laparotomy) method.

Diagnosis and Preparation for Appendectomy

Diagnosis begins with a medical history review and physical examination, including palpation, auscultation, and percussion of the abdomen. If acute appendicitis is suspected, additional tests help confirm the diagnosis and prepare for surgery:

Complete blood count (CBC): Elevated white blood cells indicate inflammation.
Urinalysis: Helps rule out urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
Ultrasound (US): Can detect an enlarged or inflamed appendix.
CT scan: Offers a detailed image of the abdominal cavity.
MRI: May be used in certain cases for further assessment.

Once acute appendicitis is confirmed, the patient is immediately admitted to the surgical department. Preoperative preparation includes:

Consultation with an anesthesiologist
Premedication to reduce anxiety and prepare for anesthesia
Final lab tests (Wassermann reaction, HIV, hepatitis, coagulation panel)
General health assessment (ECG, pulse, blood pressure)
Hygiene measures (shower, shaving)
Administration of antibiotics

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Surgical Methods for Appendix Removal

There are two main surgical approaches:

Laparoscopic appendectomy: A minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions. It allows for quicker recovery, less postoperative pain, and fewer complications.
Open appendectomy: Involves a larger incision and is used in cases of complicated appendicitis or rupture. Recovery time is generally longer.

The choice of method depends on the clinical situation and the patient's condition. Surgeons at Helyos Clinic effectively use both approaches.

Procedure Steps

Laparoscopic appendectomy typically includes the following steps:

General anesthesia
Antiseptic preparation of the surgical area
Small incisions
Insertion of trocars
Appendix removal
Suturing
Completion of the operation

After the surgery, the patient is awakened and moved to a recovery room. Laparoscopic appendectomy usually takes under 60 minutes, while open surgery takes longer.

Recovery After Appendectomy

The recovery period depends on the type and extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. Laparoscopic surgery usually results in a shorter recovery time. Most patients stay at Helyos Clinic for 2–3 days under medical supervision. After discharge, they receive recovery instructions. The rehabilitation period typically lasts 1 to 3 months and includes: