Appendectomy - Post Operative Care
After surgery the patient is taken to a surgical recovery area where they are taken care of till the effect of anesthesia wears off.
- The doctors and staff will maintain a constant vigil on the Pulse rate, breathing and temperature.
- The patient is transferred to their bed on the ward or separate room once their vital statistics are normal and the effect of anesthesia wears off.
If the patient has undergone operation for an unruptured appendix their recovery is far quicker.
- Clear fluids are given the next morning and if it is tolerated then solid food can be started and intra-venous (IV) fluids stopped.
- The patient can start small physical activities like walking to the toilet immediately or by the next morning.
- The doctors and staff monitor for infection. If the incision is healing well, the patient can leave in 2-3 days.
- Once at home, care should be taken that the wound is completely dry and clean.
- If patient feels any fever or increased pain they should contact the surgeon immediately.
If a patient is having a high grade fever at the same time wheezes due to history of asthma but oxygen saturation is 99% on 2L/min via nasal prong. Which should be dealt first? my ineffective breathing pattern or fever"? Whaat can fever do with regards to my acute appendicitis?