Appendectomy
Dr. Lin knows that appendicitis can be dangerous if left untreated, as well as horrendously painful. The best solution is an appendectomy to remove the diseased appendix using advanced, minimally invasive robotic techniques.
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Dr. Clarence Lin, MD.
General Surgeon & Minimal Invasive Surgeon Serving North Central, West Virginia
Appendicitis can be dangerous if left untreated, as well as horrendously painful. The best solution is an appendectomy to remove the diseased appendix, which Clarence Lin, MD, can perform using advanced, minimally invasive robotic techniques. If you're concerned about a grumbling appendix, call Clarence Lin, MD, today and schedule a consultation or use the online form to book an appointment.
Appendectomy? Q&A
What is an appendectomy?
An appendectomy is a surgical procedure for removing your appendix, a small pouch on the lower right part of your colon (intestine). The most common reason for needing an appendectomy is appendicitis.
Appendicitis is an infection in your appendix that causes inflammation and pain. Most often, the pain starts near the belly button, then moves to the lower right side of your abdomen. As the inflammation increases, the pain worsens, and it can be excruciating.
Anyone could get appendicitis, but it occurs more frequently between the ages of 10 and 30. An appendectomy is the typical treatment for appendicitis.How does my doctor determine whether I need an appendectomy?
To diagnose appendicitis, Dr. Lin gently presses the painful area. Releasing the pressure quickly is likely to worsen your pain if the peritoneum (a large membrane surrounding your internal organs) is inflamed. Your abdomen may also be rigid. You might have to undergo some tests to look for confirmation of the infection and rule out other causes for your symptoms.
For example, you may need blood tests to check your white cell count, urine tests to look for a urinary tract infection or kidney stone, and an internal rectal or pelvic exam.
Imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can also aid in the diagnosis. When Dr. Lin is confident you have appendicitis, he can prepare you for an appendectomy.What does an appendectomy involve?
Before Dr. Lin performs your appendectomy, he may give you antibiotics to treat the infection. Where possible, he uses minimally invasive techniques to remove your appendix. That involves making several small cuts into your abdomen rather than the large incision required for open surgery. A camera and specialized instruments fit into the small incisions. Dr. Lin can see the inside of your abdomen on a monitor, using that to guide the instruments rather than viewing the appendix directly.
Dr. Lin specializes in using robotic technology to keep tissue damage to a minimum and promote a quicker recovery. He controls the robot arms that do the appendectomy using sophisticated computer software.
Most patients stay in the hospital for a day or two after an appendectomy.How long does it take to recover from an appendectomy?
You should expect to take it easy for several weeks after your appendectomy. The period could be longer if your appendix burst and you had to have open surgery.You should avoid any vigorous activity for three to five days following a robotic-assisted appendectomy.
One of the many advantages of minimally invasive surgery is the shorter recovery time, so if you had to undergo an open appendectomy, you would need to rest for 10 to 14 days.
Appendicitis can be a potentially life-threatening emergency if your appendix ruptures or the infection spreads. If you have any symptoms, contact Clarence Lin, MD, for expert advice. Call his office today or book an appointment online.
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