Need Advice on Appendix

I am PRE-op for now, but the decision to remove the appendix didn't have to be explained in my case. I have severe endo, and my appendix looked like a shribbled up pepper....this pics said it all.

If in your case endo isn't present, i agree that many docs i've talked to remove it to avoid complications during, and post op.

Good luck to you....

Different DR's different policies.

Some DR's won't remove a healthy organ, no matter how useless, some of the reasons given: it's another trauma to the bowel with a possibility of infection, adhesions, etc, and that appendicitis usually happened to people in their youth.

Then other DR's still subscribe to the "while I'm in there" theory.

Prior to my surgery I asked my doc about removing my appendix and he said that he doesn't usually remove it because it could cause an infection. At my age (40's) the chance of appendicitis is rare.

Mine was removed in 1999 w/my last lap for endo. Doc said it was covered in adhesions. I thought my DH was joking when he told me they removed it.

It also depends on the doctor's training. Some were trained not to mix a "dirty" operation (appendix) with a clean one.

I'm not sure about the "while you are there" theory. I don't think appendicitis is that common in adults, and I think they can remove it laproscopically if there's a problem. The recovery is pretty fast.

But since the appendix is useless and this is what your doctor typically does ( assume he does does lots and no complications result), you might as well go ahead.

I am Pre-Op right now, surgery date is 2/21/03; however, my Dr. is removing my appendix as it is covered with endo. Mine looks like that shriveled up pepper you were talking about, nette21. My endo seems to have taken a life of its own and pretty much taken over. It's all over my colon, kidney's, and bladder but I will be keeping those pretty important organs.
Anyway, mine is being removed because it needs to be. My Dr. did say that she removes them anyway to eliminate the chances of appendicitis. I agree, if you don't need 'em take 'em out, but that's my personal opinion.

Holli

I am Pre-Op right now, surgery date is 2/21/03; however, my Dr. is removing my appendix as it is covered with endo. Mine looks like that shriveled up pepper you were talking about, nette21. My endo seems to have taken a life of its own and pretty much taken over. It's all over my colon, kidney's, and bladder but I will be keeping those pretty important organs.
Anyway, mine is being removed because it needs to be. My Dr. did say that she removes them anyway to eliminate the chances of appendicitis. I agree, if you don't need 'em take 'em out, but that's my personal opinion.

Holli

I had my appendix removed when I was 46. I had some minor twinges in my right side for a few months before the surgery. I went to Florida with a friend when she moved and then flew back. The weather was so nice in Florida (Bradenton) that I walked around a lot. I don't even remember if I took ID with me. When I returned home, I started having aches that mimicked ovarian pain from ovulation. I wound up in the hospital ER a week after my vacation. Less than 8 hours later, I was in the OR.
Doc told my mother that it was a good thing I came in when I did. The appendix was perforated and could have burst. I was in the hospital for five days and on IV antibiotic the whole time.
I had my hyst at 52.
So, appendicitis can occur after your 40's!

Mine was removed when I had my C-section (almost 20 years ago). My understanding is that it's routine to remove the appendix anytime an abdominal surgery is done. That way, later on if you develop severe problems anyone that sees a scar on your tummy knows that the appendix is gone so that cannot be the problem. Otherwise, no scar means problem could be appendix...it kinda helps to narrow things down during an emergency. Who knows what the latest logic is...that was just what my Dr. told me way back then.
Darla
TAH/BSO

Hi Kathy

Well lots of post for this one. I had my Appendix out at the age of 9, because they burst. I can still remember that day very well. Since the Appendix is no good any way & serves no purpose & your Dr knows what he is doing I say go for it.

Good luck on what ever you choose, I'm sure you will be fine.






rroettger1965, LAVH Jan 6, 2003 (uterus & cervix) Kept both Overies. And back to work on Monday Jan 10th.