Appendectomy (Open, Laparoscopic)
Patient Discharge Instructions
Day after Surgery
You should
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If you have strips of tape [Steri-strips®] on the incisions: remove the
bandage but leave the strips of tape directly on the skin for a week; no other
dressing is necessary.
If you have sutures or staples, you may wish to keep a dressing on to protect
the incision. Change the dressing and inspect your wound every day and as
needed.
Shower or bathe, but do not soak in a bathtub until 1 week after surgery. You
may use a mild soap to gently cleanse your incision and carefully pat dry.
General Instructions
Medications
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It is normal to have pain at your incision sites. You will receive a prescription
for pain medicine before you leave the hospital. You may need to take this
pain medication regularly, as directed, for the first few days after you leave
the hospital. This should help control your pain, allow you to be more active
and speed up your recovery.
Acetaminophen [Tylenol] or ibuprofen [Motrin] 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours for
mild or moderate discomfort
Acetaminophen with hydrocodone [Vicodin] or Percocet for severe discomfort.
Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking these narcotics. DO NOT drive while
on these pills.
Wounds
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A few spots of blood on the bandage is common. Call your surgeon if there
are other signs of bleeding.
A moderate amount of black and blue skin discoloration around the wounds is
common.
A firm, tender swelling will develop beneath the incision(s). These will
disappear after several weeks.
Support the lower abdomen with a small pillow when coughing or sneezing.
Diet
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Try to drink several glasses of juice or water per day.
You may eat a normal diet as tolerated.
Occasionally, patients develop constipation after surgery due to inactivity and
narcotic pain medicine. Constipation may be relieved by increasing fluid
intake and by taking an over-the-counter stool softener or mild laxative (milk
of magnesia). Bowel function should return to its previous pattern within a
week.
Activities at Home
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In the first week after surgery, gradually increase your activity, taking rest
periods as needed. Get adequate sleep at night.
Light aerobic exercise (walking, biking, swimming, golfing, jogging) is
encouraged within the limits of your pain tolerance.
Avoid vigorous physical activity (sprinting, sit-ups, or lifting more than 30-50
lbs) for several weeks after surgery.
Driving a car
You may resume driving when you no longer take narcotic pain medication.
Sexual Activity
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Gradually return to your previous level of activity.
Certain positions may be more comfortable until the wound heals.
Work
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Most patients take up to 7 days off work to recuperate after appendectomy
surgery.
Patients whose jobs involve strenuous work or frequent lifting (>30-50 lbs)
may be off work for longer periods. Consult your surgeon for specific
instructions.
Notify your physician if any of these occur:
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body temperature greater than 101°F
drainage or fluid from incision
increased wound tenderness or soreness
significant redness or swelling at the incision site
persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
swelling, redness, or persistent pain in the legs
difficulty urinating.
Follow-up care
Call the office of Dr. Wright at (253) 840-1999 to schedule an appointment for 3
weeks after the date of surgery.
Each day you should continue to improve. Be sure to report any new pain or other
issues of concern promptly to your physician. Assume that you will feel better each
day and remember that any adverse symptom may be indicative that you are
developing a serious post-operative complication.