What are the costs of an appendectomy? | Appendectomy

What are the costs of an appendectomy?

The cost of an average appendectomy without major complications is approximately between €2,000 and €3,000. The costs depend mainly on the length of stay in hospital and the occurrence of complications. The occurrence of complications or peritonitis can double the total costs.

A laparoscopic appendectomy is a few hundred euros more expensive than the classic open method. The reason for this is the additional use of expensive surgical material (camera, throcars). However, the costs are more or less balanced out by the fact that a minimally invasive operation is usually accompanied by a slightly reduced length of stay in hospital.

How long are you sick after that?

How long a sick note is necessary after an appendectomy is usually decided by the family doctor. This depends on the patient’s current condition and everyday life. Heavy work should not be started again before two weeks after the operation in order to avoid the occurrence of complications such as scar hernias.

Light work, for example at the desk, school or studies can usually be started again after one week at the latest. It is important to always take it easy at work and especially to avoid lifting heavy loads or increased pressure on the abdomen. In any case, the wounds should be examined regularly in order to detect possible changes as early as possible.

How long is the hospital stay for an appendectomy?

The average length of hospital stay after an appendectomy is about two to three days. However, this refers to a typical course without complications in a healthy patient. In severe cases, such as appendicitis or peritonitis, the stay is extended by a few days, as longer observation and the administration of antibiotics are necessary.

The duration may also change in the event of postoperative difficulties, such as inflammation or severe pain. In addition, patients are only discharged if they appear reasonably healthy and can stand up and walk well. Overall, the length of stay in laparoscopic procedures should be slightly reduced in contrast to the open technique.

Can an appendectomy be done on an outpatient basis?

In principle, an outpatient appendectomy is possible, but it is very rare. The reason for this is that such an operation is usually performed due to acute appendicitis. However, acute appendicitis should be observed after surgery in order to be able to treat possible complications.

An outpatient appendectomy is therefore only considered for elective (planned) surgery. In the case of outpatient surgery, however, sufficient observation should be made afterwards, especially in children, to be on the safe side at discharge.