What Should You Expect after an Appendectomy?
After an appendectomy, patients are moved to a recovery room, where their vital signs are closely monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Depending on the surgical approach and the patient’s condition, they may be discharged the same day (for laparoscopic surgery) or require a short hospital stay, especially if the appendix ruptured or other complications arose. Pain management is a key aspect of postoperative care, and patients may receive prescription medications to manage discomfort at the incision site. In most cases, light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and aid in recovery.
Patients will be given detailed postoperative instructions, including care for the surgical site, activity restrictions, and signs of complications to watch for, such as fever, increased pain, or infection at the incision site. Full recovery may take a few weeks, during which time it is important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous physical activities. A follow-up visit with the surgeon is usually scheduled within two weeks to assess healing and remove any non-dissolvable stitches. With proper care, most individuals recover fully and resume normal activities without complications.
