Discharge Instructions for Open Appendectomy (Appendix Removal)

You have had an open appendectomy to remove your appendix. The appendix is a worm-shaped hollow pouch attached to the beginning of your large intestine. During an open appendectomy, a cut (an incision about  2 to  4 inches long) was made in your lower right side. A longer incision may have been used if the appendix burst. Here are guidelines to follow at home.

Incision care

Here are some tips for taking care of your incision:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes. This will help you be more comfortable and cause less irritation around your incision.

• Shower as instructed by your health care provider.

• Gently wash around your incision with soap and water.

• Don’t bathe or soak in a tub or swim in a pool until your incisions are well healed and your provider says it's OK.

• If your incision was closed with small, white strips of tape, don't pull them. They will fall off on their own in about a week.

Diet 

Here are some tips for eating after your appendix was removed:

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.

• Take a fiber-based laxative if you are constipated. You may also use a stool softener to prevent constipation.

• Eat a bland, low-fat diet at first. Slowly progress to a regular diet as instructed. Foods include:

  • Mashed potatoes.

  • Plain toast or bread, crackers.

  • Soup.

  • Plain spaghetti.

  • Rice.

  • Macaroni (plain or with cheese).

  • Cottage cheese.

  • Pudding.

  • Low-fat yogurt.

  • Low-fat milk.

  • Canned fruit (except pineapple).

  • Very ripe bananas.

Activity

Follow these tips for activities:

• If you had general anesthesia, don’t operate machinery or power tools, drink alcohol, or make major decisions for at least the first 24 hours.

• Slowly increase your activity level to help with your recovery. Start by doing light activities around your home once you feel able to do so.

• Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine and your health care provider says that it is okay.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than  10 pounds until your provider says it’s OK.

• Limit sports and strenuous activities for  1 or  2 weeks. or as directed by your provider.

When should you call your doctor

Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:

• Swelling, oozing, more pain, or abnormal redness around the incision.

• A fever of  100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• Chills.

• Increasing belly pain.

• Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation.

• An upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

• Leg swelling.