Appendicitis is a medical condition that occurs when the appendix becomes infected. The appendix is a small organ located at the end of the large intestine.
Appendicitis can cause pain and swelling in the lower abdomen, so diagnosing this condition is essential before it occurs. If you have appendicitis, your doctor will probably recommend surgery to remove your appendix. But how does an appendix operation affect pregnancy? Let’s find out through this article.
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain and is usually a self-limiting condition. The appendix is a blind, tube-like structure that is located on the lower right side of the abdomen. It attaches to the cecum and colon and acts as a reservoir for faecal matter.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix swells or becomes infected due to infection with bacteria or irritation from other causes. This condition can lead to severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting that may persist for several weeks. In rare cases, appendicitis can cause septic shock, which can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics and surgery.
The symptoms are similar to those of other infections. They tend to occur quickly and may be more intense than those associated with other conditions such as gastroenteritis.
Is Appendix Surgery Harmful For Pregnant Women?
Several studies have come up with different research results on whether or not the surgery affects the overall condition of a pregnant woman.
Usually, the surgery does not affect a pregnant woman directly. An appendix operation is a general surgery. The percentage of women undergoing appendix removal surgery ranges from 1% to 5%. The more advanced the pregnancy, the higher the risk of having an appendix problem. The procedure is performed by an abdominal specialist in such cases.
The appendix is part of the large intestine that connects it to the small intestine. There is a notion that an appendectomy during pregnancy will affect their pregnancy or increase the risk of miscarriage. However, it is not true. There is no evidence to support this claim.
Surgery for appendicitis does not usually affect pregnancy. However, some women may find that their symptoms worsen during pregnancy or have some complications such as anaemia (low red blood cell count) and blood clots. These problems can be life-threatening for both mother and baby if left untreated. Pregnant women should discuss concerns with their OB/GYN before having surgery for appendicitis.
There are no known risks to pregnancy if your appendix has been removed during pregnancy or if you have an inflamed appendix.
However, if your appendix ruptures during pregnancy, it will cause a severe infection that can affect both mother and baby.
What to Expect During a Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, you will be given general anaesthesia on the operating room table. The surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in your abdomen.
The surgeon will insert a tiny camera inside your abdomen through this cut. This camera allows the surgeon to see inside your body while they operate on it. The surgeon will then use laparoscopic tools to remove your appendix.
Once the procedure is over, your surgeon will place a drain in your abdomen to remove excess fluid. You may be allowed by the doctor to go home the same day, but it’s best to wait at least one night before doing so. Your surgeon will monitor you closely for signs of bleeding or infection. Furthermore, most people are generally able to return to work within two weeks of surgery.
Wrapping Up
An appendix is a part of the large intestine. Removing it through laparoscopy does not affect a pregnant woman, irrespective of its gestational stage. Hence, it is safe to have an appendectomy if you are pregnant. An immediate appendectomy can even save the life of the mother and the child in case of a ruptured appendix.
Max Healthcare specializes in laparoscopic procedures, including laparoscopic appendectomy. Get in touch with their specialist team for diagnosis and treatment.
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