What is an appendectomy in children?
An appendectomy is surgery to take out the appendix. This organ is a small sac that is shaped like a finger. It's attached to the large intestine.
Appendicitis happens when the appendix becomes infected and inflamed. An appendectomy is the main treatment for it. If surgery is delayed, the inflamed appendix may burst. A burst appendix can cause serious health problems.
If the appendix has burst, your child may need an emergency surgery to remove the burst appendix.
How is your child's appendectomy done?
Before surgery, your child will get medicine to make them sleep.
Appendectomy is usually done as a laparoscopic surgery. That means it is done with only small cuts. These cuts are called incisions. The doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other surgical tools through the cuts in your child's belly. The doctor is able to see the organs with the scope. The doctor removes the appendix. The cuts heal quickly, and the scars usually fade over time.
In some cases, the surgery is done through a single larger cut in the belly. This is called open surgery.
After your child's appendectomy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child is short of breath.
Call the doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has nausea or vomiting and cannot drink fluids.
- Your child has pain that does not get better after taking pain medicine.
- Your child has loose stitches, or the incision comes open.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your child's incision.
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
- Your child cannot pass stools or gas.
- Your child has signs of a blood clot in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in the leg or groin.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact the doctor if your child has any problems.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated