Appendectomy (Appendix Removal)

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen. While the appendix has no known vital function, it can become inflamed or infected—a condition known as appendicitis.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. At Advanced Bariatric & Surgical Specialists, Dr. Craig Chang provides rapid, expert surgical intervention using minimally invasive techniques to treat appendicitis safely and effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Appendicitis

Appendicitis often starts as a dull ache near the belly button that shifts to the lower right abdomen. As the inflammation worsens, the pain typically becomes sharp and severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden Pain: Beginning on the right side of the lower abdomen.
• Rebound Tenderness: Pain that feels worse when abdominal pressure is released.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often occurring shortly after the abdominal pain begins.
• Low-Grade Fever: Which may worsen as the infection progresses.
• Abdominal Swelling: Feeling bloated or “full.”

Warning: If you suspect you have appendicitis, seek emergency medical attention immediately. A ruptured appendix can lead to peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the abdominal lining.

The Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Dr. Craig Chang specializes in Laparoscopic Appendectomy, the modern standard for appendix removal. Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires a large incision, the laparoscopic approach uses 2–3 tiny incisions.

How the procedure works: A laparoscope (a tiny camera) is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing Dr. Chang to visualize the appendix on a high-definition monitor. Specialized surgical tools are used to carefully detach and remove the appendix through the small openings.

Benefits of the Laparoscopic Approach:

• Less Post-Operative Pain: Minimal trauma to the abdominal muscles.
• Faster Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities much sooner than with open surgery.
• Lower Risk of Wound Infection: Smaller incisions heal more cleanly.
• Minimal Scarring: The tiny incision sites become nearly invisible over ti

What to Expect During Recovery

Most patients are able to go home within 24 hours of a laparoscopic appendectomy.

• In the Hospital: You will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off and encouraged to walk as soon as possible to aid digestion and circulation.
• At Home: You may experience mild soreness at the incision sites. Dr. Chang will provide specific instructions regarding activity levels and diet, though most patients return to light activities within a few days.
• Follow-Up: A follow-up visit at our Victoria or Corpus Christi office ensures your incisions are healing perfectly.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with appendicitis or have chronic abdominal pain that needs evaluation, our team is here to help.