Surgeon Questions surgeon

Is an appendectomy a low-risk surgery?

My 12-year-old will have an appendectomy on Friday. Is an appendectomy a low-risk surgery? Are any x-rays taken before?

4 Answers

Surgeonsurgeon
No, it can be very high risk. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is the most sensitive test.
An appendectomy for non-perforated appendicitis is a low risk procedure. Nowadays, we usually do ultrasound and not X-rays to make the diagnosis in children his age. Perforated or ruptured appendicitis is more serious because of the infection that is present. The operation is not more risky, but the recovery is longer usually. Your surgeon can tell you better than I can because I do not know the details of this case.
Yes, usually a CT scan.
Should be low risk