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: 

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

• Shower as instructed by your healthcare 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 healthcare 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 

Diet tips 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.

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

• 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:

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

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

• Chills

• Increasing belly pain

• Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation

• Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

• Leg swelling