Appendix Surgery Recovery: Diet, Activity and Return to Work

Appendix surgery is one of the most common operations, and recovery is usually smooth. Most people feel much better within a few days and are back to normal in a few weeks. Here is what to expect, and how to help your body heal.

The first days

• You will wake up with some pain at the cuts, which is managed with medicines

• With keyhole surgery, you may feel pain in the shoulder or a bloated belly from the gas used in the operation. It settles in a day or two.

• Most people go home in 1 to 2 days. Stays are longer if the appendix had burst.

• You'll be encouraged to walk a little on the first day

Diet after appendix surgery

• First few hours: sips of water, then clear liquids like dal water, coconut water and soup

• Next day: soft, light food such as khichdi, plain rice, curd, idli, banana, toast and boiled vegetables

• After a few days: slowly move back to your normal diet

• Eat small meals, five or six a day

• Drink plenty of water

• Add fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains, to prevent constipation. Pain medicines can make it worse.

• Avoid very oily, spicy and heavy food for the first few days

• Avoid fizzy drinks and gas-forming food if you feel bloated

There is no special diet after an appendix operation, and you don't have to avoid any food for life.

Activity

• Walk a little every day. It prevents clots, helps the gut and speeds up recovery.

• Don't lift heavy weight, usually nothing over 4 to 5 kg, for 2 to 4 weeks after keyhole surgery. After open surgery, 4 to 6 weeks.

• Climbing stairs slowly is fine

• Don't drive until you are off strong painkillers and can brake safely. This is often about 1 week.

• Avoid hard exercise and sports for 3 to 4 weeks, or as your surgeon says

• Sleep on your back or side with a pillow to support the wound, and hold a pillow against your belly when you cough

Return to work and school

Situation	Usual time to return
Desk work after keyhole surgery	About 1 to 2 weeks
School for children	About 1 week
Desk work after open surgery	About 2 to 4 weeks
Physical or heavy work	About 4 to 6 weeks, or as advised
Sports	About 3 to 4 weeks for light sports, longer for contact sports

If the appendix had burst, recovery can take longer, and you may be on antibiotics for several days.

Wound care

• Keep the dressing clean and dry. Ask when you can shower. It is often after 1 to 2 days.

• Pat the area dry. Don't scrub or apply creams unless advised.

• Stitches may dissolve by themselves, or may be removed in about 7 to 10 days

• Mild bruising and a small firm ridge along the cut are normal

What is normal, and what is not

Mild pain, tiredness, some bloating and a small amount of pinkish discharge from a cut are normal. Pain should get better every day.

Get help now: Call your doctor right away if you have a fever, the wound is red, swollen or leaking pus, the pain is getting worse instead of better, you have repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, you can't pass urine, or you have no stool or gas for more than 2 to 3 days. Go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain, chest pain or breathlessness.

Tips for a faster recovery

• Take medicines as prescribed, and finish the antibiotic course

• Rest, but don't stay in bed all day

• Eat well, with enough protein such as dal, eggs, curd and fish

• Sleep well, and take short walks

• Attend the follow-up visit

Common questions

When can I eat normal food? Most people eat light food within hours and normal food in a day or two.

Can I take a bath after appendix surgery? Usually after 1 to 2 days, with the wound kept dry. Follow your surgeon's advice.

When can I have sex or exercise? Often after 2 to 4 weeks, once pain-free and the surgeon agrees.

Is it normal to have shoulder pain? Yes, after keyhole surgery. It comes from the gas, and settles within a few days.

Have questions or want to see a specialist? For appointment and queries, call 8156929292. AXTEN HOSPITALS - HONEST SURGERY, HONEST CARE.