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, one 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
Tips for taking care of your incision include:
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Wear loose-fitting clothes. This will help you be more comfortable and cause less irritation around your incision.
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Shower as instructed by your healthcare provider.
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Gently wash around your incision with soap and water.
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Don’t bathe or soak in a tub or swim in a pool until your incisions are well healed and your healthcare provider says it's OK.
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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
Diet tips after your appendix was removed:
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Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.
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Take a fiber-based laxative if you are constipated. You may also use a stool softener to prevent constipation.
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Eat a bland, low-fat diet at first. Slowly progress to a regular diet as instructed. Foods include:
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Mashed potatoes
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Plain toast or bread, crackers
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Soup
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Plain spaghetti
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Rice
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Macaroni (plain or with cheese)
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Cottage cheese
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Pudding
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Low-fat yogurt
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Low-fat milk
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Canned fruit (except pineapple)
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Very ripe bananas
Activity
Follow these tips for activities:
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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.
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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.
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Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
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Limit sports and strenuous activities for 1 or 2 weeks. or as directed by your provider.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
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Swelling, oozing, more pain, or abnormal redness around the incision
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Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Chills
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Increasing belly pain
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Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation
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Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting
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Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
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Leg swelling
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jen Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
L Renee Watson MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.