Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLaparoscopic Appendectomy RecoveryOpen Appendectomy RecoveryResuming Normal ActivityWound CareManaging PainWhen to Call Your Surgeon
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Laparoscopic Appendectomy Recovery
Open Appendectomy Recovery
Resuming Normal Activity
Wound Care
Managing Pain
When to Call Your Surgeon
Appendicitissurgery recovery time varies but typically takes about six weeks.Recovery from alaparoscopic appendectomyis quicker than healing after open surgery, which usually requires a hospital stay.
You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after anappendectomy. You shouldn’t drive or work for at least 48 hours after surgery. You also should avoid strenuous activity, exercising, and lifting anything heavy. Your surgeon will let you know when you can return to work.
This article discusses appendicitis surgery recovery time for both laparoscopic and open surgeries and explainspain management, incision care, and when to call your surgeon.
A minimally invasive laparoscopic appendectomy involves three small incisions, each about a 1/2-inch long, for the procedure.This typically makes for a shorter and less difficult appendectomy recovery timeline.
People who undergo an uncomplicatedlaparoscopicappendicitis surgery may be discharged from the recovery room after being monitored for a few hours. Prior to discharge, you will need to be able to:
Once these milestones have been met, you will be discharged from the hospital. In some cases, you may be admitted to the hospital (typically overnight) if additional risk or complications arise.
When Can I Go Home After Appendectomy?A study of 185 laparascopic appendectomy procedures found that 59% of people went home the same day.Regardless of the type of procedure, it can take 48 hours for the effects of anesthesia to wear off completely. You may feel groggy for a few days after surgery. Do not drive, drink alcohol, work, or make any big decisions for at least two days following an appendectomy.
When Can I Go Home After Appendectomy?
A study of 185 laparascopic appendectomy procedures found that 59% of people went home the same day.Regardless of the type of procedure, it can take 48 hours for the effects of anesthesia to wear off completely. You may feel groggy for a few days after surgery. Do not drive, drink alcohol, work, or make any big decisions for at least two days following an appendectomy.
How General Anesthesia Works
Open surgery requires a 2- to 4-inch incision in the lower abdomen, including the abdominal muscles.An open appendectomy will require a longer hospital stay than a laparoscopic procedure, so you will be admitted at least overnight as you receive IV fluids andpain medication.
You may have a thin plastic nasal tube inserted to allow for removal of fluids and air from the stomach. You won’t be able to eat or drink until your bowel function is normal and the tube is removed. Then, you can take additional open appendectomy recovery steps:
It’s common for open appendectomy surgery to cause more pain than a laparoscopic procedure.You may need pain medication as you begin to walk after your abdominal muscle incision (cut).
A 2023 study of appendectomies found that age, underlying medical conditions likeobesity, or even the type of procedure did not significantly impact length of hospital stay. Some people who were initiallytreated with antibioticsbut then later needed surgery appeared to have longer hospital stays. So did females when compared with males who had appendectomies.
Antibiotics Can Help Some Patients Avoid Appendectomies, Study Finds
Returning to your normal routine after appendectomy will depend on the type of procedure, any risks or complications, and individual lifestyle factors. For example, you’ll need to avoid lifting objects weighing more than 10 pounds, but the healing timeline is different for:
How soon you can return to work or school will depend on your specific situation. If your job is physical and requires heavy lifting, you may be out for a few weeks. If you work remotely, you can work as soon as you feel ready.Children may need to avoid sports at school.
You may tire more easily, so plan the duration and time of day for activities.
Walking After Appendectomy SurgeryAmong the most important activities you need to start as soon as possible is walking around every hour or two. You’ll start doing this in the hospital if you aren’t discharged the same day. This is to preventblood clotsandpressure injuries, and boost bowel function.It also will help you to stay flexible and feel independent. Be sure to remove trip hazards and avoid falls while recovering.
Walking After Appendectomy Surgery
Among the most important activities you need to start as soon as possible is walking around every hour or two. You’ll start doing this in the hospital if you aren’t discharged the same day. This is to preventblood clotsandpressure injuries, and boost bowel function.It also will help you to stay flexible and feel independent. Be sure to remove trip hazards and avoid falls while recovering.
Top 10 Items You Should Have at Home After Surgery
Laparoscopic appendectomy incisions are typically closed with small sticky tape strips (Steri-Strips). Open appendectomies are usually closed with stitches or staples and covered with a sterile bandage toprevent infection.
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on caring for your incision. Always wash your hands before and after touching the incisions. Avoid wearing tight or rough-textured clothing that could irritate the incisions.
In general, your wound care after appendectomy includes:
Some people may have an incision large enough to require packing. Changing the dressing may hurt, so consider discussing pain medication with your healthcare provider before doing so.
You also will want to brace or splint your abdominal incision when you cough or bear down due toconstipationafter surgery. Pressing with your hand or a pillow will help you avoid pain anddehiscence(the reopening of the wound).
When Can I Take a Shower After Appendectomy?Usually, you can take a shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Don’t swim or take a bath for the first two weeks. Check with your surgical team for specific instructions.
When Can I Take a Shower After Appendectomy?
Usually, you can take a shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Don’t swim or take a bath for the first two weeks. Check with your surgical team for specific instructions.
How to Care For a Surgical Incision
If your pain is mild, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers as needed. These include:
In some cases, you may leave the hospital with a prescription for opioid painkillers, such as Percocet (oxycodone with acetaminophen). Opioids are very effective pain relievers. However, they are highly addictive, cause side effects including drowsiness or depressed breathing function, and should only be when necessary.
Note: Percocet also contains acetaminophen and should not be taken with other sources of acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) as liver damage can occur.Percodan tablets include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), so talk with your healthcare provider about using these products.
Pain Medication Side Effects
Your healthcare provider will advise you to watch out for signs of infection and other problems. Call your surgeon’s office if you experience any of the following:
Your digestive system should return to normal after your surgery but contact your healthcare provider if you cannot pass gas or stool for three days, or alternately, if you experience watery diarrhea.
Common Complications After Surgery
Summary
Appendectomy surgery is common, with roughly 200,000 procedures in the United States each year.These surgeries are typically uncomplicated and often done in comparatively young and healthy people. Many people will go home the same day they have their appendectomy.
However, that will depend on whether your surgeon performs a laparoscopic or open appendectomy procedure. An open surgery takes longer to heal and most people stay in the hospital at least overnight. There also will be differences in how long recovery takes. Your healthcare team will make sure you know how to care for the wound, take pain medication, and begin your recovery.
A Word From VerywellAn appendectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures, with a low complication rate. Maintaining a decreased activity level, consuming a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate pain control will accelerate your recovery and return to previous activity levels.—DAVID HAMPTON, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
An appendectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures, with a low complication rate. Maintaining a decreased activity level, consuming a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate pain control will accelerate your recovery and return to previous activity levels.—DAVID HAMPTON, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
An appendectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures, with a low complication rate. Maintaining a decreased activity level, consuming a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate pain control will accelerate your recovery and return to previous activity levels.
—DAVID HAMPTON, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.John Hopkins Medicine.Appendectomy.SAGES: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Appendix removal (appendectomy) surgery patient information from SAGES.Gignoux B, Blanchet MC, Lanz T, Vulliez A, Saffarini M, Bothorel H,et al.Should ambulatory appendectomy become the standard treatment for acute appendicitis?World J Emerg Surg. 2018 Jun 28;13:28. doi: 10.1186/s13017-018-0191-4.Basukala S, Thapa N, Bhusal U, Shrestha O, Karki S, Regmi SK,et al.Comparison of outcomes of open and laparoscopic appendectomy: A retrospective cohort study.Health Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 3;6(8):e1483. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1483.Alhusayni MA, Alghamdi TM, Almutairi WA, Alhamyani AS, Alosaimi FG, Mahfouz MEM.The Effect of Body Mass Index on Patients' Length of Stay Post-appendectomy.Cureus. 2023 Oct 3;15(10):e46430. doi:10.7759/cureus.46430.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care.Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery.Kaiser Permanente.Laparotomy: What to Expect at Home.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription opioids.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Common Medications Containing Aspirin and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.John Hopkins Medicine.Appendectomy.SAGES: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Appendix removal (appendectomy) surgery patient information from SAGES.Gignoux B, Blanchet MC, Lanz T, Vulliez A, Saffarini M, Bothorel H,et al.Should ambulatory appendectomy become the standard treatment for acute appendicitis?World J Emerg Surg. 2018 Jun 28;13:28. doi: 10.1186/s13017-018-0191-4.Basukala S, Thapa N, Bhusal U, Shrestha O, Karki S, Regmi SK,et al.Comparison of outcomes of open and laparoscopic appendectomy: A retrospective cohort study.Health Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 3;6(8):e1483. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1483.Alhusayni MA, Alghamdi TM, Almutairi WA, Alhamyani AS, Alosaimi FG, Mahfouz MEM.The Effect of Body Mass Index on Patients' Length of Stay Post-appendectomy.Cureus. 2023 Oct 3;15(10):e46430. doi:10.7759/cureus.46430.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care.Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery.Kaiser Permanente.Laparotomy: What to Expect at Home.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription opioids.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Common Medications Containing Aspirin and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
John Hopkins Medicine.Appendectomy.SAGES: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Appendix removal (appendectomy) surgery patient information from SAGES.Gignoux B, Blanchet MC, Lanz T, Vulliez A, Saffarini M, Bothorel H,et al.Should ambulatory appendectomy become the standard treatment for acute appendicitis?World J Emerg Surg. 2018 Jun 28;13:28. doi: 10.1186/s13017-018-0191-4.Basukala S, Thapa N, Bhusal U, Shrestha O, Karki S, Regmi SK,et al.Comparison of outcomes of open and laparoscopic appendectomy: A retrospective cohort study.Health Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 3;6(8):e1483. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1483.Alhusayni MA, Alghamdi TM, Almutairi WA, Alhamyani AS, Alosaimi FG, Mahfouz MEM.The Effect of Body Mass Index on Patients' Length of Stay Post-appendectomy.Cureus. 2023 Oct 3;15(10):e46430. doi:10.7759/cureus.46430.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care.Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery.Kaiser Permanente.Laparotomy: What to Expect at Home.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription opioids.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Common Medications Containing Aspirin and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
John Hopkins Medicine.Appendectomy.
SAGES: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Appendix removal (appendectomy) surgery patient information from SAGES.
Gignoux B, Blanchet MC, Lanz T, Vulliez A, Saffarini M, Bothorel H,et al.Should ambulatory appendectomy become the standard treatment for acute appendicitis?World J Emerg Surg. 2018 Jun 28;13:28. doi: 10.1186/s13017-018-0191-4.
Basukala S, Thapa N, Bhusal U, Shrestha O, Karki S, Regmi SK,et al.Comparison of outcomes of open and laparoscopic appendectomy: A retrospective cohort study.Health Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 3;6(8):e1483. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1483.
Alhusayni MA, Alghamdi TM, Almutairi WA, Alhamyani AS, Alosaimi FG, Mahfouz MEM.The Effect of Body Mass Index on Patients' Length of Stay Post-appendectomy.Cureus. 2023 Oct 3;15(10):e46430. doi:10.7759/cureus.46430.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care.Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery.
Kaiser Permanente.Laparotomy: What to Expect at Home.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription opioids.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Common Medications Containing Aspirin and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
