What should I do if the wound becomes inflamed after minimally invasive appendectomy?

Oct 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

After minimally invasive appendectomy, wound inflammation can be managed by cleaning and disinfecting the wound, changing sterile dressings, using antibiotics as prescribed, monitoring changes in inflammation, and avoiding irritation to the wound. If wound inflammation occurs, seek immediate medical attention at a general surgery clinic. Wound cleaning and disinfection: this procedure involves rinsing the wound surface with medical saline solution to remove secretions.

After minimally invasive surgery for appendicitis, wound inflammation can be managed by cleaning and disinfecting the wound, changing sterile dressings, using antibiotics as prescribed, monitoring changes in inflammation, and avoiding irritation to the wound. If wound inflammation occurs, seek immediate medical attention at a general surgery clinic.

1. Clean and disinfect the wound: Use medical-grade normal saline to rinse the surface of the wound and remove secretions. Then gently wipe and disinfect with iodophor to kill surrounding bacteria, reduce the risk of infection spreading, and maintain local cleanliness of the wound.

2. Change sterile dressings: After disinfection, promptly replace the wound covering with new sterile gauze. Choose breathable dressing materials and avoid wrapping too tightly, which may compress the wound. Regularly change the dressing to prevent moisture buildup that could promote bacterial growth and impair wound healing.

3. Use antibiotics as directed: If inflammation is significant, take oral or topical antibiotics as instructed by your doctor to inhibit bacterial growth and control the progression of inflammation. Do not adjust dosage or switch medications without medical advice, as this may compromise treatment effectiveness.

4. Monitor changes in inflammation: Observe daily for redness, swelling, pain intensity, and any discharge from the wound. Keep track of these changes. If redness and swelling expand, discharge increases, or an unpleasant odor develops, this may indicate worsening infection, and prompt medical evaluation is needed to adjust the treatment plan.

5. Avoid wound irritation: Avoid rubbing or scratching the wound. Wear loose, soft clothing to prevent friction and injury. Also, keep the wound away from contaminated water to prevent secondary infection caused by water entering the wound.

In daily life, keep the skin around the wound dry. Eat a diet rich in protein to support healing, avoid strenuous exercise to minimize tension on the wound, and maintain regular sleep patterns to boost immunity, all of which help resolve inflammation and promote wound recovery.

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What should I do if I have appendicitis?

In case of appendicitis, seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis, choose surgical treatment based on the condition, follow medical advice for anti-infective medications, avoid strenuous activities, and adjust diet accordingly. If persistent pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, or vomiting occurs, immediately visit a general surgery department. Once symptoms suggestive of appendicitis appear, go to the hospital as soon as possible for diagnostic tests such as complete blood count and abdominal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.

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How long does it take to fully recover after appendicitis surgery?

The recovery time after appendectomy varies depending on the surgical approach. For laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery, full recovery usually takes 2–4 weeks, while open abdominal surgery requires 4–6 weeks. If complications such as wound infection or worsening abdominal pain occur after surgery, patients should immediately seek care from a general surgery department. Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery involves less trauma, reduced blood loss, and results in milder postoperative pain.

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What causes painful urination after appendectomy?

Pain during urination after appendectomy may be caused by incomplete voiding due to bed rest, insufficient fluid intake, acute urethritis, cystitis, or urethral spasm. It can be improved by adjusting urination posture, increasing fluid intake, medication, and antispasmodic treatment. If the pain persists or is accompanied by urgency, hematuria, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary.

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What does rebound tenderness mean in acute appendicitis?

Rebound tenderness in acute appendicitis may result from inflammation of the appendix stimulating the peritoneum, visceral nerve reflexes, localized peritonitis, peri-appendiceal abscess, or appendiceal perforation. This can be managed through rest and immobilization, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical treatment. If rebound tenderness worsens or is accompanied by high fever, chills, or other severe symptoms, immediate medical attention is required. During acute appendicitis, the appendix becomes congested and swollen.