Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery in Delhi, India

Appendectomy is the emergency surgical removal of the appendix. Mini laparoscopy uses laparoscopic surgical instruments between 2mm and 5 mm in diameter. Mini laparoscopic appendectomy involves making small incisions in the abdomen for inspection through the laparoscope or camera and treatment in case of infection or burst appendix. Mini laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure compared to an open surgery which involves making a big single incision to remove the appendix.

Alternate Name of Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery

Needlescopic Appendectomy

Body location

Lower Right Side of the Abdomen

Procedure Type

Minimally Invasive Surgical Appendectomy

Preparation for the Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery Procedure

Appendectomy is classified as a medical emergency since an inflamed appendix is at risk of bursting. A ruptured appendix can cause infection to spread in the abdomen and enter the bloodstream leading to severe complications.

• Symptoms: Inflammation of the appendix leads to sudden and sharp pain in the right side of your lower abdomen. The pain may also begin at the navel and shift to the right side. If you have these symptoms visit your nearby hospital immediately.

• Diagnosis: Your doctor will physically examine you and run diagnostic tests such as blood reports and abdominal scanning to confirm appendicitis.

• Medical history: Your previous medical conditions and current medications will be noted.

• Admission: After acute appendicitis is diagnosed, antibiotics are injected through an IV line, and surgery is scheduled within 24 hours.

• Fasting: You must fast for 8 hours before the scheduled surgery. Fluids will be delivered through an IV line.

How is the Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery Procedure Performed?

Mini laparoscopic appendectomy as a surgical treatment for appendicitis is less invasive than conventional methods. The procedure begins with your doctor injecting general anaesthesia, which will keep you asleep.

After the anaesthesia is delivered, incisions are made for inserting devices called ports. The first incision is made near the umbilicus or the navel, and a port is inserted in the opening. The abdomen is filled with gas to expand it, provide room for the procedure, and help generate clear images for the doctor.

An optical device or laparoscope, a camera in general terms, is introduced in the port at your belly button for examining the appendix and confirming the problem. The doctor will make two more incisions, one in your mid-abdomen area and the other near your pubic line. After the appendix is examined, thin surgical instruments are inserted in the incisions to remove the inflamed appendix. The severed appendix is removed through one of the incisions, and a drain tube is inserted to clear the abdominal cavity of fluids and remove the gas.

After the completion of the procedure, the incisions are closed using stapling device or stitches that dissolve after some time. Medical adhesive tapes then cover the secured incisions.

Follow up After Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery

Removing an inflamed or infected appendix prevents bacteria from spreading to the abdominal lining and bloodstream. Mini laparoscopic appendectomy ensures that the appendix is resected less invasively, followed by speedy recovery.

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room till the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. If the laparoscopic appendectomy has no complications, you can be discharged the same day.

You may take a shower after discharge from the hospital. Ensure the stitches, dressing, and the surrounding area remain clean and dry to avoid infection. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid getting the incisions or the dressing wet.

Take medicines prescribed by your doctor if you experience any pain, discomfort or side effects. Slowly resume your normal diet by consuming small portions of food initially. Drink a lot of fluids to prevent constipation and ease bowel movement, and avoid caffeine for some time. If you are having problems passing stool, consult your doctor.

Do not strain yourself in the initial days of recovery. Undertake light activities and avoid driving, heavy lifting, and exercises except walking, swimming or other strenuous activities until after your first post-operative visit with your doctor.

Risks of the Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery Procedure

Mini laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally invasive procedure and treats appendicitis without much damage to the abdominal region. However, there are some risks or complications associated with any invasive treatment.

• Reaction to anaesthesia: Complications such as breathing problems due to general anaesthesia.

• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur both during and after the procedure.

• Abdominal infection: Intra-abdominal abscess is the formation of pus and infection in the abdominal region.

• Inexperienced personnel: Laparoscopic appendectomy is an advanced surgery which requires experience and expertise. A lack of expertise in the procedure can create complications during and after the surgery.

Recovery After Mini Laparoscopic Appendectomy Surgery

Mini laparoscopic appendectomy replaces the need for open surgery by removing the inflamed appendix through small incisions. However, open surgery might be conducted if the appendix bursts or the infection spreads. Mini laparoscopic appendectomy is surgically and cosmetically advanced as it involves less pain and scarring and has a faster healing period.

The chances of wound infection or infection of the surgical site are greatly reduced with the mini laparoscopic procedure. Open surgery takes around 4 to 6 weeks for recovery. The recovery time for a mini laparoscopic procedure is around two weeks. The pain subsides within a few days, along with other side effects like constipation or nausea. You can resume your normal activities around six weeks after the procedure after a go-ahead from your doctor.