Recovery after an appendicectomy
Appendicectomy (surgery to remove the appendix)
Looking after the wound
We usually put a special skin glue on top of the wounds. This does not need an extra dressing. You can shower or bathe and gently pat the wounds dry.
Do not pick at the skin glue. It gently flakes off in 7 to 10 days.
If we use dressings, they are usually splash-proof. You can carefully wash or shower, but you will need to remove and replace the dressings if they get soaked.
There might be paper strips under your dressing. You can remove all dressings and strips a week after your surgery.
The wound can feel tingly, numb and itchy. As the scar tissues grow, you might get a hard lump over the wound. These side effects of the surgery are natural and part of the healing process.
You will usually have dissolvable stitches which do not need to be removed. If you have stitches that do need to be removed, we will tell you how to arrange this. Your nurse will tell you which type of stitches you have.
Going to the toilet
It is common to have changes to how you poo. This includes finding it hard to poo (constipation) and having loose poo (diarrhoea). It can take some time for your bowels to return to normal.
If you feel constipated, it can help to:
- have a high-fibre diet (you can find fibre in fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains, such as wholemeal bread and cereals)
- take a mild laxative (a medicine to help you poo) in the short term
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, so that you do not get dehydrated.
If you are concerned, please speak to your GP.
Returning to work and normal activities
You can return to work and normal activities when you feel ready. This depends on the type of surgery that you had and the type of work that you do.
We generally recommend that you take 1 to 2 weeks off work. You might want to go back to work sooner if you have a non-physical job. However, you might need more time off work if your job involves heavy lifting or manual labour.
You can sign yourself off work for up to 7 days. Let your doctors or nurses know before you leave if you need a fit note for work.
Follow-up appointment
You probably will not need a follow-up appointment after having your appendix removed, unless you have any complications.
If you have any questions, please call the hospital ward or day surgery unit where you were treated for advice. Your GP and practice nurse can also help with any questions or concerns about your recovery.
Speak to your GP or call NHS 111 if you:
- have leakage, redness, increased pain or other problems with the wounds
- feel unwell and have a very high temperature (fever), or feel hot or shivery
- have pain in your calves (the back part of the lower legs) or are short of breath
- are being sick (vomiting) for a long time