What is an appendectomy for children?

An appendectomy is surgery to remove a child’s appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that’s attached to the large intestine. It's usually on the lower right side of the belly.

An appendectomy may be done as an open surgery. This involves making a cut (incision) into the belly and removing the appendix. The appendix may also be removed through a few smaller cuts using a camera and small tools. This is called a laparoscopic surgery.

Why might your child need an appendectomy?

Sometimes the appendix becomes blocked. This can allow bacteria to grow. That can lead to infection and inflammation (appendicitis). This illness is very common in children, teens, and young adults. A young person with this problem often needs an appendectomy.

An appendix that is inflamed can burst if it's not taken out. If that happens, infection can spread all over the belly. It can cause a dangerous health problem called peritonitis.

What are the risks of an appendectomy for a child?

As with other surgeries, the risks of this procedure include:

• Bleeding.

• Infection.

• Problems from the anesthesia.

Other risks are:

• Leakage from the large intestine where the appendix was removed.

• The need for a longer hospital stay if the appendix bursts before the surgery.

• Injuries to nearby organs.

There may be other risks, depending on your child’s health. Talk with your child’s doctor about any concerns before the procedure.

How do you help your child get ready for an appendectomy?

An appendectomy is often an emergency surgery. Your child may not have a lot of time to get ready for it. The care team will want to know when your child last ate. Having food in the stomach can cause problems when your child is under anesthesia. If the surgery is planned ahead of time, ask when your child should stop eating and drinking.

Before the procedure starts, your child may get a shot of medicine to help them relax. Your child will also have an IV line placed into a vein so fluids and other medicines can be given. This is how your child will be put to sleep for the surgery.

What happens during an appendectomy for a child?

During an open procedure, the surgeon will make a cut into the skin and the fat underneath. This cut will be 1 to 2 inches long. The surgeon will remove the appendix and stitch up the opening.

During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon will make a few small cuts in the belly. The surgeon will put a tiny camera through one cut so they can see the procedure . They may inflate the belly a little with air so they can see the inside better. The surgeon will remove the appendix using small tools and close the cuts.

If your child’s appendix has burst, a drainage tube may be left in the belly for a few days. This is to drain away any extra fluid. Sometimes the surgeon plans a laparoscopic surgery but may need to switch to an open surgery.

What happens after an appendectomy for a child?

After the surgery, your child will go to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). They'll be closely watched there before being sent to a regular room. Some children may be able to go home from the recovery room. Your child will get pain medicine through the IV, then later by mouth.

Your child will be encouraged to get up and move around later that day or the next day. After laparoscopic surgery, your child may feel cramps or shoulder pain. This pain is from the air that was put into the belly. Children often go home a day or two after the surgery. If the appendix ruptured before the surgery, your child may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week. In these cases, your child may need IV antibiotics for a week or more.

Contact your child’s doctor if your child has:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by the doctor.

• Belly swelling.

• Green or yellow drainage from any incision.

• Pain that gets worse as hours or days pass.

• Redness or swelling around the incision.

• Sluggishness.

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure for your child, make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure.

• The reason your child is having the test or procedure.

• What results to expect and what they mean.

• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure.

• When and where your child is to have the test or procedure.

• Who will do the procedure and what that person’s qualifications are.

• What would happen if your child did not have the test or procedure.

• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about.

• When and how you will get the results.

• Who to contact after the test or procedure if you have questions or your child has problems.

• How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure.