Super practical health guidance! What are the precautions before and after appendicitis surgery? Do you know?

Appendicitis refers to an inflammatory reaction in the appendix. The appendix is located in the right iliac fossa, has an earthworm-like shape, is about 5-10cm long and 0.5-0.7cm in diameter. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases in children.

1. Main clinical manifestations

Metastatic right lower abdominal pain, starting in the upper abdomen or around the umbilicus; intestinal reactions, anorexia, nausea, vomiting; systemic manifestations include chills, high fever, rapid pulse, etc.

Once perforation occurs, peritoneal irritation may occur: tenderness, rebound pain, abdominal muscle tension, weakened or absent bowel sounds, cecum and appendix, vomiting, fever, abdominal distension and pain.

2. Surgical indications for appendicitis

Clear symptoms of appendicitis, with elevated white blood cells and imaging to support the diagnosis of appendicitis, or typical migratory right lower abdominal tenderness and rebound pain without imaging support;

The Lingling District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yongzhou City reminds that if the appendix is perforated and gangrenous, even if there is a high fever and no abscess is formed in the abdominal cavity, surgical treatment should be performed.

3. Precautions before surgery

In the absence of shock, the patient should be placed in a semi-recumbent position;

Fasting is required during the acute phase;

Perform auxiliary examinations, pay attention to white blood cell classification and count reports, and use B-ultrasound to rule out other abdominal diseases.

Gastrointestinal decompression and intravenous infusion are required, and attention should be paid to correcting water and electrolyte imbalances.

Prepare the skin before surgery, clean the skin at the surgical site, and thoroughly remove dirt around the umbilicus. Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before surgery and empty your bladder.

IV. Postoperative Care

Remove the pillow within 6 hours after the operation and lie flat on your side. After 6 hours, take a semi-recumbent position to facilitate the flow of abdominal fluid to the pelvic floor, reduce the toxic reaction after the absorption of inflammatory substances, and prevent the formation of subdiaphragmatic emphysema.

Patients are encouraged to get out of bed and move around early to promote intestinal motility, reduce urinary retention, and the occurrence of complications such as postoperative intestinal adhesions, so as to promote early recovery of various body functions.

Do not eat on the day of surgery , and eat as directed by the doctor after bowel function recovers 1-2 days after surgery.

Keep each drainage tube unobstructed to prevent slipping.

Incision pain generally does not require special treatment, just distract your attention and keep the incision clean and dry .

5. Health Guidance

Appendicitis progresses quickly. If you seek medical attention too late or do not receive treatment after diagnosis, it can lead to serious complications such as perforation and peritonitis. If you suspect you have appendicitis, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment.

Encourage patients to get out of bed and move around more to reduce the incidence of intestinal adhesions.

Instruct the patient to lie in a semi-recumbent position to facilitate absorption of pus.

Maintain good eating habits and avoid strenuous activities after meals, especially jumping or running.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Liu Chan from Yongzhou Lingling District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
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