Appendicitis is when the appendix, which is a small pouch attached to your large intestine, becomes inflamed and infected. In your case, a scan has shown that the entrance to your appendix is blocked by a small, hard stone-like object. This blockage is what's causing the inflammation.
It is very important that we treat this urgently. If we leave it, the pressure can build up and the appendix could burst. This can cause the infection to spread inside your abdomen, which can make you seriously unwell.
The most effective treatment is to remove the appendix. This operation is called an appendicectomy, and it's one of the most common surgeries performed in the UK.
We almost always do this using 'keyhole surgery'. This involves making 3 or 4 small cuts in your tummy. We then put some gas inside to create space, and use special instruments to remove the appendix. This method results in less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.
The operation is done under general anaesthetic, so you will be completely asleep and won't feel anything. We will also give you some antibiotics before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection afterwards.
After the surgery, it's normal to have some pain and bruising around the small cuts, which can be managed with regular painkillers like paracetamol. You might also feel some pain in your shoulder; this is quite common and is caused by the gas we use during the operation, it will go away on its own.
Many people also feel a bit constipated afterwards. We recommend drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fibre foods to help with this. It's best to avoid painkillers that contain codeine, as they can make constipation worse.
As with any operation, there's a small risk of bleeding, infection, or noticeable scarring, but these are less common with keyhole surgery.
Most people are well enough to go home one day after their surgery. We recommend you take it easy for about two weeks to recover fully. During this time, you should not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity, as this could put a strain on your healing wounds.
The stitches we use are normally dissolvable. If normal stitches are used, you can have them removed at your GP practice after about 7 to 10 days.
It's important to watch for any signs of infection. If you notice any of your wounds becoming red, swollen, hot, or discharging any fluid, or if you feel unwell and feverish, you should come straight back to the hospital so we can assess you.