Simple appendectomy
Cost: $3,486 USD
Hospitalization duration: 2 days
What is a Simple Appendectomy?
Appendectomy is a surgery that involves removing the appendix, a small tube-like structure attached to the large intestine. This procedure is most often performed to treat acute appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to serious infection and even risk of rupture, making surgery urgent in many cases.
During surgery, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen to access the appendix, which is carefully removed to prevent infection. The incision is closed and the patient usually remains in the hospital for recovery and observation.
Includes:
- Medical Team
Highly trained staff, including surgeons and anesthesiologists who supervise and perform the surgery.
- Laboratory
Complete pre-surgical studies to evaluate the patient’s general health before surgery. These studies include blood tests, kidney and liver function tests, among others, to ensure that the patient is in optimal condition for surgery.
- Office
Imaging tests such as chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound (US) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery. These tests help doctors visualize the state of the appendix and ensure that there are no additional complications.
- Preoperative Evaluation by Internal Medicine + EKG
Complete evaluation by an internal medicine doctor to identify possible risks and optimize the patient’s health before surgery. Includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart health and prevent complications during the procedure.
- Postoperative Visits
Personalized follow-up to ensure proper recovery. The medical team reviews the scarring and makes sure that there are no signs of infection or complications.
- Pathology Study
The removed appendix is sent to the laboratory for pathology analysis. This helps rule out possible underlying diseases and ensures that the removal of the appendix was necessary and effective.
Preparing for surgery
It is important for patients to follow the medical team’s instructions before the appendectomy. This may include:
- Fasting before the procedure, usually 6 to 8 hours.
- Discontinuation of certain medications that may affect blood clotting.
- Adequate hydration and avoiding alcohol or tobacco consumption a few days before surgery.
Recovery
Recovery from an appendectomy is usually quick. Patients can usually:
- Return to normal activities within a week.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous physical exertion for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Take prescribed painkillers to control pain and follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care.
Risks and Complications
Although it is a common surgery, there are some risks as with any surgical procedure:
- Infection in the incision or abdominal area.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Reactions to anesthesia.
The risks are low when following proper protocol and working with a trained medical team.