Laparoscopic Appendectomy (Appendix Removal) in Cairo

Recognising appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large bowel. The classic pattern is pain that starts around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen over hours, becoming sharper with movement or coughing, often with loss of appetite, nausea and a mild fever. Symptoms can be less typical in children, older adults and during pregnancy.

Appendicitis needs prompt medical assessment. An inflamed appendix can perforate (burst) and spread infection inside the abdomen. If you have worsening lower right abdominal pain, especially with fever or vomiting, seek care the same day rather than waiting to see whether it settles.

Diagnosis and the decision to operate

Diagnosis combines your symptoms, examination and blood tests showing signs of inflammation, often with an ultrasound or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and look for complications. In women, a pelvic cause of pain is also considered, and keyhole surgery has the advantage of letting the surgeon look at the pelvic organs too.

For most adults with confirmed appendicitis, removing the appendix is the definitive treatment. Selected patients with uncomplicated appendicitis on CT can be offered antibiotics first, but a proportion of them need an appendectomy later. Dr. Elbasatiny will explain the options for your situation honestly.

How laparoscopic appendectomy is done

Under general anaesthetic, a camera and fine instruments are passed through usually three small incisions. The appendix is located, its blood supply is sealed, its base is secured and it is removed in a protective bag. The abdomen is inspected and, if there is pus, carefully cleaned. The operation commonly takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

If the appendix has already burst, the operation still usually proceeds by keyhole, followed by a course of antibiotics and a slightly longer stay. Occasionally conversion to open surgery is the safer choice; the reasons are the same as for any keyhole operation, such as severe inflammation, and are explained to you beforehand.

Keyhole versus open appendectomy

A Cochrane review comparing the two approaches found that keyhole surgery leads to fewer wound infections, less pain on the first day, a shorter hospital stay and an earlier return to normal activity. It also found a small increase in abscess formation inside the abdomen in adults, which is why careful technique and follow-up matter.

The camera view is also helpful when the diagnosis is uncertain. The same keyhole principles apply to other common operations in this hub, such as laparoscopic gallbladder removal.

Risks after appendix removal

Possible complications include wound infection, an abdominal abscess (more likely when the appendix had burst), bleeding, a temporary slowing of the bowel, and rarely injury to nearby bowel. Later, a small hernia at a port site can occur.

Contact the team if you develop rising fever, worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or a red, discharging wound after going home, because these can be signs of an infection that needs review.

Recovery timeline

Cost & what’s included

Appendicitis is usually urgent, so the cost depends on the hospital, the scans needed, what is found at surgery and the length of stay. Complicated cases with a burst appendix need more care. We will give you a clear estimate as early as possible.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis: 2020 update of the WSES Jerusalem guidelines — World Journal of Emergency Surgery
2. Laparoscopic versus open surgery for suspected appendicitis — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
3. Appendicitis — NHS

This information is general education and does not replace a medical examination. Treatment decisions are made after assessing your case.