The drug atlas
Surgery & Perioperative/GI / acute abdomen
Appendicectomy
also: appendectomy · appendicitis surgery
Overview
Removal of the appendix — the definitive treatment of acute appendicitis.
Mechanism
Surgical removal (laparoscopic preferred) of the inflamed appendix before perforation. Antibiotics are given but surgery is definitive in most.
Indications
- Acute appendicitis
- Appendiceal mass/abscess (often after initial antibiotics + interval surgery)
The agents
Laparoscopicpreferred
Faster recovery, less wound infection.
Open (Lanz/gridiron)
If perforation/peritonitis or laparoscopy unavailable.
Adverse effects
Wound infectioncommon
Intra-abdominal/pelvic abscessserious
Perforation if delayedserious
Cautions & contraindications
—all
Emergency; resuscitate first.
Choosing it
Young patient, central abdominal pain migrating to the right iliac fossa, anorexia, low-grade fever, tenderness at McBurney point.
Source: NICE CKS — Appendicitis