Appendectomy in Brownsville, TX
Appendicitis Symptoms & Treatment Options
A Laparoscopic Appendectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove a diseased appendix. This procedure involves the use of very small incisions and a small camera to provide the surgeon with an enhanced view of the surgical site.
Dr. Carlos A. Barba specializes in treating appendicitis at his general surgery centers in Brownsville and Harlingen, TX. Dr. Barba can best determine if you are a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, or if you will require a more traditional open surgical approach. Learn about the appendectomy procedure and call (956) 621-4981 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barba today.
How Do I Know if my Appendix Needs to be Removed?
When the appendix is diseased it will become inflamed, which is more commonly known as Appendicitis, you may need it to be removed. Generally, within 24 hours of symptoms, the risk of rupture is fairly high, and the appendix will need to be removed. If it ruptures internally, you can get a bacterial infection called peritonitis, which is life-threatening.
What is Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
In most laparoscopic appendectomies, surgeons operate through 3 small incisions in the lower abdomen, each one quarter to one half inch long. Surgical instruments, as well as a television camera (laparoscope), are inserted through these incisions and the procedure is performed while observing the internal organs via a television monitor.
In some cases, one of the small incisions may be lengthened to 2 or 3 inches to complete the procedure. This operation is usually performed with general anesthesia or occasionally using regional or spinal anesthesia.
Advantages of a Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Having a diseased appendix removed via minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can provide the following benefits:
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Shortened hospital stay
- Faster return to bowel function
- Faster return to work and normal activities
- Reduced potential for infection
- Improved cosmetic results
Although laparoscopic appendectomy has many benefits, it may not be appropriate if a patient may be vulnerable due to the following:
- Extensive infection and/or abscess
- A perforated or ruptured appendix
- Obesity
- A history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue
- Inability to visualize organs
- Bleeding problems during the operation
Schedule Your Minimally Invasive Appendectomy in Brownsville, TX Today!
While an Appendectomy is difficult to schedule because of its sensitive time frame, it is important to know the doctors in your area. Dr. Carlos A. Barba performs hundreds of appendectomies every year. Dr. Barba has extensive experience with da Vinci Surgery and other minimally invasive methods of surgery. If you need to have a general surgery operation done, or if you are a physician who is looking where to refer a patient, give Dr. Barba a call at (956) 621-4981 to schedule an appointment at our general surgery center in Brownsville and Harlingen, TX today!