You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after anappendectomy.
You shouldn’t drive or work for at least 48 hours after surgery.
You also should avoid strenuous activity, exercising, and lifting anything heavy.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Your surgeon will let you know when you’ve got the option to return to work.
When Can I Go Home After Appendectomy?
You may feel groggy for a few days after surgery.
Some people who were initiallytreated with antibioticsbut then later needed surgery appeared to have longer hospital stays.
So did females when compared with males who had appendectomies.
If your job is physical and requires heavy lifting, you may be out for a few weeks.
You may tire more easily, so plan the duration and time of day for activities.
You’ll start doing this in the hospital if you aren’t discharged the same day.
Be sure to remove trip hazards and avoid falls while recovering.
Wound Care
Laparoscopic appendectomy incisions are typically closed with small sticky tape strips (Steri-Strips).
Open appendectomies are usually closed with stitches or staples and covered with a sterile bandage toprevent infection.
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on caring for your incision.
Always wash your hands before and after touching the incisions.
Avoid wearing tight or rough-textured clothing that could irritate the incisions.
Changing the dressing may hurt, so consider discussing pain medication with your healthcare provider before doing so.
When Can I Take a Shower After Appendectomy?
Usually, you could take a shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Pat the incision dry.
Don’t swim or take a bath for the first two weeks.
Check with your surgical team for specific instructions.
Managing Pain
If your pain is mild, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers as needed.
Opioids are very effective pain relievers.
Many people will go home the same day they have their appendectomy.
However, that will depend on whether your surgeon performs a laparoscopic or open appendectomy procedure.
An open surgery takes longer to heal and most people stay in the hospital at least overnight.
There also will be differences in how long recovery takes.
SAGES: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Appendix removal (appendectomy) surgery patient information from SAGES.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care.Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery.
Kaiser Permanente.Laparotomy: What to Expect at Home.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prescription opioids.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Common Medications Containing Aspirin and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
