Everything About Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Nepal

The human body is complicated, and a single issue with a body part can cause a ton of pain. One such issue that can cause extreme pain is an inflamed or infected appendix. However, it can be treated using many procedures, among which laparoscopic appendectomy is one of the best ones. That said, it is a niche medical procedure that not many people know about. Regardless, since this process is getting more common, it would be helpful to you if you knew more about the procedure. So, what is laparoscopic appendectomy?

In this blog, we provide you with a general overview of laparoscopic appendectomy, including what this procedure is, how it is performed, its benefits, and some complications of its complications. Along with this, we shall also provide you with details regarding what to expect after this procedure. But before we begin anything, let’s first discuss what laparoscopic appendectomy is.

What Is Laparoscopic Appendectomy?

What Is Laparoscopic AppendectomyBefore we talk about laparoscopic appendectomy surgery, we first need to know what appendectomy is. In simple terms, appendectomy is a process where an inflamed or infected appendix is removed. For those who are unaware of what an appendix is, it’s a small tube shaped organ which extends from your colon to the lower right side of the abdomen area. Now, should the appendix get inflamed or infected, it can burst at any time. Because of this reason appendectomy is an emergency surgery.

Laparoscopy is essentially any form of surgery that is done by using a laparoscope, which is essentially a tool that allows the experts to see what is inside the body. By using this tool, the expert can insert small surgical instruments through a small cut. This form of surgery removes the need to make large cuts to perform even the most complicated surgeries.

When these two medical terms associated with surgery are combined, what you get is surgery to remove the appendix through the use of a laparoscope. As with all laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic appendectomy surgery is a minimally invasive surgery.

Side note: Do note that the appendix doesn’t seem to have any important function, so it is fine to remove it. However, if it is infected or inflamed, it can severely harm the body and can cause unnecessary pain.

How Is A Laparoscopic Appendectomy Performed?

Now that we have the definition cleared out of the way, let’s discuss the actual insides of laparoscopic appendectomy. The first agenda that we have to discuss is the laparoscopic appendectomy steps and how this surgery is performed. So, what are the steps? The key laparoscopic appendectomy steps performed include:

  • The surgeons make one to three small incisions near your belly button.
  • They then insert a small port into one of the incisions.
  • Then, a small tube known as a cannula is placed through the port.
  • The experts then use a cannula to inflate your body with carbon dioxide. This process inflates your body and makes more room for the operation. Furthermore, it also allows for clearer views with the laparoscope.
  • Then, the experts remove the cannula, and a thin laparoscope is inserted. As mentioned previously, the laparoscope contains a thin but high-resolution camera which allows your surgeon to locate the appendix and guide the instruments through incisions.
  • The appendix is tied off with sutures and removed from your colon before being removed from your body itself.
  • The final step in the laparoscopic appendectomy process is closing your incisions.
  • Now, although you will have three scars in your abdomen, do note that they are relatively small and do not exceed more than one centimetre. Furthermore, you should also note that the steps we mentioned here are just some of the more generic steps. The specific steps shall vary depending on your specific case of appendicitis.

Additionally, in some cases, you might need to switch from laparoscopic appendectomy to open-wound appendectomy. This switch is common if you have infections from your appendicitis. The core process is still using sutures and removing your appendix. But before the experts do this, they make one large incision and remove the infected tissue.

Top Doctors For Laparoscopic Appendectomy In Nepal 

Now that you are informed about the laparoscopic appendectomy process, we are also providing details about some of the best doctors in Nepal for the removal of inflamed or infected appendix using laparoscopic method: 

1. Dr. Ghanashyam Thapa 

 Dr Ghanashyam

Qualification: 

  • MBBS, MD (General Surgery) 

Experience: 

  • More than 10 years 

OPD Time: On-Call 

Dr. Ghanashyam Thapa is a highly experienced general and laparoscopic surgeon with more than decades of experience. He holds an MBBS and MD in General Surgery with a specialization and expertise in minimally invasive and laser surgery. Additionally, he also provides the best consultation and treatment for appendectomy ensuring faster recovery and minimal discomfort for patients. 

2. Dr. Rajiv Nakarmi 

 Dr Rajiv

Qualification: 

  • MBBS, Xinxiang Medical University, China, 2008 
  • MS (General Surgery), Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, 2015 

 Experience: 

  • More than 8 years 

OPD Time: Everyday from 4 PM to 6 PM 

As a general surgeon and having fellowship in GI minimal-invasive surgery, Dr. Rajiv Nakarmi is among the top laparoscopic surgeons in Nepal with nearly a decade of experience. Dr. Nakarmi provides expert patient-focused care in minimally invasive procedures for the quick recovery process of patients requiring appendix removal. 

Benefits Of Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Benefits Of Laparoscopic AppendectomyFollowing the discussion regarding laparoscopic appendectomy steps, lets now discuss laparoscopic appendectomy benefits. The good news here is that you can reap its benefits most of the time because for the most part, appendicitis can be solved with laparoscopic measures. So, what are laparoscopic appendectomy benefits? Some of the key benefits include:

  • The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery result in significantly less trauma to the abdominal muscles and tissues.
  • The smaller incisions also lead to reduced postoperative pain, which makes it easier for you to recover and discomfort without needing to rely heavily on pain medications.
  • Due to minimal tissue damage, you can experience a shorter healing time.
  • You can also return back to your regular activities in a few days when compared to a few weeks of recovery time for an open wound.
  • You can be discharged within one to one and a half days of the procedure. This is given that there are no complications during the surgery time or recovery times.
  • The smaller incisions reduce the risk of complications such as wound infections and hernia formation.
  • There is also a lower chance of postoperative adhesions (scar tissue) forming in the abdominal cavity.
  • The procedure uses 2–3 small incisions (0.5–1 cm), which heal quickly and leave barely noticeable scars.

These are just some of the key benefits of the laparoscopic appendectomy. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there are other benefits when compared to open surgery, which you hopefully never get to find out, as appendectomy is a pretty painful process.

Learn More: Best Laparoscopic Surgeon in Nepal: Get Detail

Common Complications of Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Now, during the treatment process of appendicitis, if you are unlucky, you may come across some complications. While the complications are rather rare for any form of laparoscopic surgery, let alone a safe surgery such as laparoscopic appendectomy, they still do exist. Therefore, you should be well aware of them. Some of the key laparoscopic appendectomy complications that you should be aware of include:

  • Bleeding may occur during or after the surgery, which requires additional procedures such as transfusions or follow-up procedures to control the bleeding.
  • Wound infections can occur when bacteria enter the surgical site. Some of its symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain around the area.
  • A rare complication is a complete or partial blockage in the intestines caused by inflammation of scar tissue after the surgery.
    There is also a small risk of accidental images of nearby organs.

Now, all of these complications can cause severe pain or discomfort and often need additional interventions and procedures to resolve them. However the issues with this procedure are not just limited to complications either. You may also face some laparoscopic appendectomy side effects after the procedure. Some of the common side effects include:

  • Nausea can occur because of anaesthesia or medications.
  • Constipation is caused by reduced mobility, dietary changes, and pain medications.
  • Gas pain is caused by carbon dioxide used for the surgery.
  • Temporary bloating from the use of gas and the healing process.

Now, do note that while these side effects are rather common, they are mildly uncomfortable or mildly painful at worst. For the most part, they are just mildly discomforting. While laparoscopic appendectomy complications are rare but relatively hard to fix, side effects are relatively easy to manage. Some of the most common ways on how you can manage the side effects include:

  • Following postoperative care instructions, keeping incisions clean, and attending follow-up appointments reduce infection risks.
  • Use prescribed medications and avoid stressful activities.
  • Start with light foods before progressing to normal diets after the surgery. This is especially helpful in avoiding constipation.
  • Drinking plenty of water and walking as soon as it’s safe promotes healing, reduces bloating, and prevents complications like blood clots or constipation.

As a side note, it is important to follow the advice of the experts while managing the side effects. Mistakes on this part can cause complications, which, as we mentioned earlier, are hard to deal with.

What to Expect After Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery

Well, by this point, we have covered just about everything we need to cover regarding laparoscopic appendectomy. While we do admit that this content is rather brief when compared to other overviews, let’s admit it: laparoscopic appendectomy is a relatively simple procedure without much to it. But before we head to the last topic of our blog, let’s cover what you should expect after the laparoscopic appendectomy procedure. The key things you can expect post-laparoscopic appendectomy include:

  • A hospital stay of one or one and a half days. The specific length of stay depends on the assessment of the surgeon but it should not go beyond one or two days.
  • You can expect nausea and vomiting. While it won’t be the painful kind of vomiting, it is still an annoying aspect that is just a part of the package. This is caused by the effect of anaesthesia and manipulation of the abdomen area.
  • You are also encouraged to walk as soon as you feel fit enough to walk, as movements help in blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
  • The full recovery takes around one to two weeks, depending on your health and the complexity of the surgery.
  • You can start driving once you are no longer on strong pain medications.
  • You can resume light work after one week.
  • You are not recommended to lift, pull, push or do any form of physical activity with objects more than 4-6 kgs.

These are just about all of the major things you can expect after the laparoscopic appendectomy surgery. To be frank, there are not many restrictions after the surgery and you can pretty much go back to your normal routine following a month or a month and a half of this procedure.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery In Nepal at Venus Hospital

lapraoscopic-techniquesNow, at this point, you already have a general gist regarding what this procedure is, how it’s done, and what you should expect. The final question we want to answer is where you should do it. The best place to go for a laparoscopic appendectomy depends on the specifics of your needs, but if you really want the best, then Venus Hospital is there for you. Some of the key reasons why Venus Hospital is one of the best include:

  • Expertise and Experience: The hospital boasts a team of skilled surgeons specializing in laparoscopic techniques, ensuring high success rates and patient safety.
  • Advanced Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, Venus Hospital provides a conducive environment for complex surgeries.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The average cost of laparoscopic procedures at Venus Hospital ranges between 45,000 to 150,000 NPR, making it an affordable option for many patients. This price also includes laparoscopic appendectomy recovery surgery costs.
  • Comprehensive Care: Beyond appendectomy, Venus Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including general surgery, gynaecological treatments, and pediatric care, ensuring holistic patient management.
  • Patient-Centric Approach: The hospital emphasizes patient satisfaction and safety, providing personalized care and support throughout the surgical process.

Choosing Venus Hospital for laparoscopic appendectomy ensures access to expert medical care, advanced technology, and a patient-focused environment, all at a reasonable cost.

Conclusion

Appendectomy is a condition where your appendix is inflamed or infected. When this occurs, there is a high chance for the appendix to burst, and it causes intense pain. The good news here is that you can easily solve this through laparoscopic appendectomy, which is essentially the process of removing the appendix through laparoscopy. But tt doesn’t matter because the removal of the appendix will not hurt your body at all. Though some risks of complications and some common side effects are related to this surgery, the complications are rare, and side effects are easily manageable.

In this blog, we provide you with the overall gist of laparoscopic appendectomy. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights on various other aspects of health, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best laparoscopic appendectomy in Nepal, look no further than Venus Hospital, the best hospital in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.

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FAQs on Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Nepal

1. Why 3 incisions for appendectomy?

The laparoscopic appendectomy involves three small cuts in the abdomen. Typically, one is around the belly button, through which the camera is inserted and helps the surgeon with visualization. The other two incisions are to admit surgical instruments that remove the appendix. This allows the surgeon to conduct the procedure very accurately while causing minimal damage to tissue, hence faster recovery with less postoperative pain.

2. What to expect after a laparoscopic appendectomy?

Following a laparoscopic appendectomy, the pain is usually minimal because small incisions are made. Most people can return to their usual activities in one to two weeks. Many times, the patient stays in the hospital for a day or less. Nausea and vomiting may occur after surgery; this is usually relieved if the patient sips clear liquids. The patient is encouraged to walk as tolerated to help the healing process.

3. Which organ is removed in an appendectomy?

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure in which the appendix, a small, tube-like organ attached to the large intestine, is removed. The appendix is located in the lower right abdomen and has no essential function in the human body. Removal of the appendix is necessary when it becomes inflamed or infected, a condition known as appendicitis.

4. What is the procedure for appendectomy?

An appendectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. In the laparoscopic method, three small incisions are made in the abdomen. A camera is inserted through one incision to visualize the appendix, while surgical instruments are introduced through the other two to remove it. The procedure typically lasts about an hour, and patients are usually discharged within 24 to 36 hours.

5. How wound infection following laparoscopic appendectomy is managed​?

While laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with a lower risk of wound infection compared to open surgery, infections can still occur. Management involves keeping the incision site clean and dry, monitoring for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and seeking medical attention if these symptoms arise. Treatment may include the use of antibiotics and, in some cases, drainage of any abscess that forms.

6. What can you eat after a laparoscopic appendectomy?

After a laparoscopic appendectomy, it’s advisable to start with clear liquids and gradually progress to solid foods as tolerated. Incorporating fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent constipation, a common issue post-surgery. It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid foods that may cause discomfort, such as those high in fat or spice.