Make Appointment

Back

Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery

Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Specialist in General Surgery

Procedure

Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery In A Nutshell

  • Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery is administered as an emergency procedure to treat an infected appendix.
  • The procedure will involve removing the entire appendix to prevent peritonitis, where bacteria from the infected organ leaks to the other parts of the abdominal cavity; this condition can be life-threatening.
  • Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery is a safe procedure and can be performed in many cases of early to acute appendicitis. 
  • As opposed to open surgery, laparoscopic appendicitis surgery also involves making smaller incisions, thereby lowering the risks of complication and improving the rate of recovery.
  • Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities for 2 weeks. You may be required to stay in a hospital 1 day after surgery to monitor your recovery.

Table of Contents

Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery

What Is Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery?

Appendicitis is a very common surgical problem, and laparoscopic appendicitis surgery is often done as an emergency procedure to remove the infected appendix. The appendix is removed through an incision in the right lower abdominal wall in traditional surgery. In laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon operates through 3 small incisions with each measuring 0.5cm to 1cm. This is done as the surgeon watches a magnified image of the patient’s organs to guide him in removing the appendix.

Why Should I Opt for Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery?

Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. The incisions are smaller in size compared to open surgery. It involves lower risk of complications, less pain, less scarring and a faster recovery and return to normal activities for the patient.

How Many Incisions Are Needed for Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery?

Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery typically requires three to four small incisions. These incisions are usually about 0.5 to 1 cm each and are made in the lower abdomen.

One Incision Alternative: Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is a minimally invasive option for appendix removal, designed to treat mild appendicitis cases. Instead of the usual multiple incisions, SILS uses a single incision near the belly button, leaving behind a small, discreet scar. This technique can help reduce post-surgery discomfort, speed up recovery, and provide better cosmetic results.

However, SILS is not suitable for cases of severe or complicated appendicitis. Dr. Ganesh will carefully assess your condition during a consultation and recommend the best approach for your situation, ensuring the best possible outcome with minimal scarring.

Is Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery Suitable For Me?

Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery is a safe procedure and can be performed in many cases of early to acute appendicitis. However, patients with heart diseases and COPD would not be suitable candidates for laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, this surgery is not recommended for people with pre-existing diseases and those who had previously undergone abdominal operations.

How Does A Laparoscopic Appendectomy Work?

During a laparoscopic appendectomy, our doctor will make a few small incisions in your abdomen in order to access the appendix. A cannula (which is a small and narrow tube) will be inserted to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This will allow our doctor to obtain a clearer view of your appendix. With the abdomen inflated, a laparoscope (which is a long tube with a camera attached) will be inserted through the incision to project the images within your abdomen on a screen.

Once the appendix has been identified, surgical instruments will be used to tie the appendix off and remove it. The small incisions will then be cleaned, stitched, and dressed. As smaller incisions are used to complete the removal of the appendix, it ensures a faster recovery time with less risk of complications.

Do I Need An Appendectomy Immediately?

To prevent appendicitis from worsening, laparoscopic appendectomy to remove the entire appendix is recommended.  An inflamed appendix (appendicitis) can pose a serious health threat and must be removed immediately.  An infected appendix usually begins when bacteria and faecal contents become clogged along the opening of the appendix. This causes the appendix to become swollen and inflamed.  As the swelling and inflammation continues, an inflamed appendix may rupture, leading to peritonitis, infection of the organs within the abdomen. Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition.

What Are The Side Effects Of Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery?

Laparoscopic appendicitis surgery has less risks as compared to open appendicitis surgery. However, there are still some risks involved when undergoing any procedure.  Some of the risks associated with the procedure include bleeding, scarring (minor),  infection, blockage in the bowel and damage to nearby organs. With that said, the risks of an untreated appendicitis is far greater if treatment is not administered on time. Consider seeking an appointment with a surgeon if you suspect that you might have appendicitis before the condition worsens.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Laparoscopic Appendicitis Surgery?

Most patients who undergo laparoscopic appendicitis surgery require 4 to 6 weeks to achieve full recovery. You may be advised by our doctor to avoid lifting weights and excessive physical activity for your body to heal.   You will also be scheduled for a follow-up with our doctor two weeks after the procedure to assess if there are signs of infection and if you are healing well.

How Much Does An Appendicitis Surgery Cost in Singapore?

The surgeon’s fee for an appendicitis surgery in Singapore costs between $5,900 – $9,000 (SF723A/4A), excluding hospital and consumable fees.

Final costs depend on hospital choice, complexity of surgery, and insurance coverage. For more details, see our appendicitis surgery costing page.

en_GBEnglish
en_GBEnglish