Your child has appendicitis. This is when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. The appendix is a small pouch that hangs off the colon, or large intestine. Its exact purpose is unknown. But once infected, the appendix can burst, sending bacteria into your child’s belly. This can cause severe health problems.
Your Child Needs an AppendectomyYour child has appendicitis. This is when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. The appendix is a small pouch that hangs off the colon, or large intestine. Its exact purpose is unknown. But once infected, the appendix can burst, sending bacteria into your child’s belly. This can cause severe health problems.The main treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy. During this procedure, a surgeon takes out the appendix.During the surgeryAn appendectomy is a very common procedure. It usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. It may take longer if your child’s appendix burst.Your child will be given fluids and antibiotics through an IV. Your child will also have general anesthesia. This medicine keeps your child pain-free and asleep during the surgery.An appendectomy may be done 1 of 2 ways. Your child’s healthcare provider will decide which way is best for your child.During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes 2 to 4 small cuts in your child’s belly. The surgeon puts a thin tube with a camera on it through one of the cuts. This laparoscope helps the surgeon see inside the belly. The surgeon puts surgical tools into the other cuts to take out the appendix.During open surgery, which is called laparotomy, the surgeon makes 1 large cut in your child’s lower right side to take out the appendix. The surgeon makes a bigger incision if the appendix has burst.An appendectomy may have complications, such as:Infection, Blood clots, and Problems with anesthesiaAfter the surgeryYour child will go to a recovery room before being sent to a regular room. Some children who have had laparoscopic appendectomy may be able to go home the same day. Some children may need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. If your child’s appendix burst, your child may stay longer.Your child will drink fluids and walk on the day of surgery. Your child will take pain medicine and be taught breathing exercises.Once at home, make sure your child follows all the surgeon’s instructions, such as:Taking medicines as directed; Taking fiber or a stool softener to prevent constipation; Not doing any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for as long as directedWhen to call your child's healthcare providerCall your child’s healthcare provider if your child has any of the following symptoms while recovering:Swelling, oozing, worsening pain, or abnormal redness around an incision;Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, or higher, or as directed by your child’s healthcare provider; Belly pain that gets worse; Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation; Nausea or vomiting; Trouble breathing or shortness of breath; or Leg swellingWhat we have learnedAn appendectomy is a surgery to take out the appendix. True or false? The answer is "true". Your child needs an appendectomy because your child has appendicitis. This is when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected.After an appendectomy, your child can go back to normal activities right away. True or false? The answer is "false". Don’t let your child do any strenuous activity or heavy lifting after surgery for as long as your child’s healthcare provider says.
Author: Semko, Laura
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
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