This operation is either done through a small incision in the lower abdomen or using laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery involves 3 small incisions in the abdomen large enough to insert a telescope-like device that finds the appendix and removes it. The recovery from surgery is usually fast and the child is often home in 1-2 days. Sitting in a chair and walking are very important. This may be difficult at first.
Pain medication is available to relieve the pain.
Please feel free to ask your nursing staff or the pediatric surgery team any questions that you may have. If the appendix is ruptured, a larger abdominal incision may be required to remove the appendix. It is very important to breathe deeply, walk and sit in a chair as much as possible. If you need assistance, please ask your nurse or any member of the pediatric surgery team. Sometimes if the child has been sick for days, an abscess may have formed inside the abdomen.