Scar after appendectomy

Where a scar is created and how large it will be depends mainly on the type of operation. In a minimally invasive operation, three small incisions are made, which later become scars. Unfortunately, a scar cannot be avoided because the incisions are very deep.

However, depending on the suture procedure, the technique of the surgeon and subsequent protection, they can be of varying thickness. The incision at the navel through which the camera is inserted is usually hidden inside the navel and therefore very inconspicuous. The other two incisions can vary depending on the surgeon’s technique and can therefore be either on both sides in the bikini line or in the middle and sides of the bikini line.

In an open surgical procedure, an approx. 6 cm long, oblique incision is made in the right lower abdomen, which in the course of the operation creates a somewhat more conspicuous scar. Sufficient protection after the procedure can influence the scar size.

Increased tension, for example through a lot of movement, stretches the scar and makes it wider. In the course of the procedure, the scars usually shrink so much that they are hardly visible after a few years. In rare cases, pathological (abnormal) growths or scar hernias (scar breakage) may occur. In this case a renewed presentation to a doctor is recommended.

Duration of an appendectomy

The appendectomy is a very small and simple procedure, which is why the operation usually only takes about 20 minutes. A minimally invasive procedure usually takes a little longer than open surgery. However, this is only average and can vary greatly depending on the situation and patient.

The duration of the operation also depends on whether the patient has already had abdominal surgery. If the abdominal wall is repeatedly opened, adhesions are usually found, which make the operation considerably more difficult and cost time. If pathological (abnormal) structures are detected during the operation (e.g. a Meckel’s diverticulum) or complications occur, these are also corrected during the operation, which can significantly increase the duration. If the appendicitis previously led to a rupture of the appendix, the procedure is switched to an open procedure and at the same time a much more complex procedure with additional examination of the peritoneum is performed. In addition to the pure operation time, however, the time for the introduction by the anaesthesia and the subsequent stay in the recovery room must also be considered, which extends the total duration of the operation by several hours.

When is it allowed to do sports again after an appendectomy?

When a sporting activity is permitted again depends on the type of intervention and the respective sporting activity. A distinction is made between light sports and heavy, stressful sports. Light sports include swimming, hiking and careful cycling.

Heavy sports include all ball and contact sports, weight training, weightlifting and any kind of competitive sport. In open surgery procedures, light sports can be performed from week 3 and heavy sports from week 6. Earlier loading is possible with a minimally invasive appendectomy.

Light sports can be performed from week 2 and heavy sports from week 4. The reason for this is the significantly shorter length of the scar. A scar break is one of the most common complications of abdominal surgery, which is why sufficient protection is of great importance. Physical stress, such as lifting heavy loads, should therefore be completely avoided during the first two weeks.