Dr Pieter Swart

The appendix is a small, tube-shaped pouch attached to your large intestine. It is located on the lower right side of your abdomen.

​

Why would I need surgery?

​

An appendicectomy is a common emergency surgery done to remove the appendix as treatment for appendicitis. Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix which may arise when the opening of the appendix becomes clogged with bacteria and stool. When the appendix is infected, it becomes inflamed and swollen, it is crucial to remove the appendix before it ruptures. Once an appendectomy is performed, most people recover quickly and without complications.

​

What does the surgery involve?

​

There are two ways of performing an appendicectomy, namely: open and laparoscopic. Dr Swart will assess the severity of your appendicitis and use his discretion in deciding which appendectomy to perform on you.

During a laparoscopic appendicectomy , Dr Swart accesses the appendix through a few small incisions in your abdomen. A small, narrow tube called a cannula will then be inserted. The cannula is used to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This gas allows Dr to see your appendix more clearly. Once the abdomen is inflated, an instrument called a laparoscope would be inserted through the incision. The laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The camera will display the images on a screen, allowing Dr Swart to see inside your abdomen and guide the instruments. When the appendix is found, it will be tied off with stitches and removed. The small incisions are then cleaned, closed, and dressed.

​

In most cases Dr will choose to perform minimally invasive surgery, however, if the appendix has already burst, open surgery would be needed. During an open appendicectomy , Dr Swart makes one incision in the lower right side of your abdomen. Your appendix is removed, and the wound is closed with stitches. This procedure allows Dr to clean the abdominal cavity if your appendix has burst.

​

What can I expect after my surgery?

​

After waking up from the anaesthetic, for the next few days after your appendicectomy you may feel moderate pain in the areas where incisions were made. You will remain in hospital for observation for a day or two before you can be discharged. Any pain or discomfort should improve within a few days because Dr Swart will prescribe medication to help with pain relief.

​

​

​