Guide To An Appendix Removal And Recovery

How To Prepare For The Procedure

Before having an appendectomy, patients will need to refrain from drinking and eating anything for a minimum of eight hours. They'll also need to tell a doctor if they're taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications. The medications patients take can affect the procedure even if it's been a day since their last dose. The doctor will advise patients on how to take their medications before and following the procedure to make sure they're safe. The doctor should also be told if a patient is pregnant, might be pregnant, have any medication or latex allergies, or have any history of bleeding disorders. After the procedure, patients will need a friend or family member to drive them home. The majority of appendectomies are performed while patients are under the influence of general anesthesia. After surgery, it's common to have several hours where patients are unable to drive and excessively drowsy as the anesthesia wears off. At the hospital, there will be a physical examination and medical history performed. If the condition is caught early enough, the doctor might order imaging tests and blood tests to diagnose the condition.

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