How long does it take for an appendectomy drainage site to heal?

The healing time for a drainage site after appendicitis surgery is typically 1–3 weeks. If the drainage is due to simple fluid leakage, healing usually takes 1–2 weeks. However, if the drainage is necessary due to appendix perforation or abscess formation, healing may require 2–3 weeks, depending on the volume of drainage and the individual's recovery capacity. Immediate medical attention at a general surgery clinic is required if the drainage site becomes red, swollen, produces increased discharge, or if fever develops.

For simple appendicitis, if a drain is placed postoperatively due to fluid leakage, early removal is possible once drainage decreases. In the absence of infection, the wound typically heals within 1–2 weeks after tube removal. Daily dressing changes are required during this period to maintain cleanliness, and the wound should be kept dry to prevent infection, allowing relatively rapid healing.

If appendicitis is complicated by perforation or intra-abdominal abscess, the drainage tube must remain in place longer, until the abscess resolves and the drainage becomes clear. After tube removal, wound healing generally takes 2–3 weeks. In some patients, particularly those with significant local inflammation, healing may be delayed, requiring more intensive wound care and anti-infective treatment.

For daily care, follow medical instructions to regularly change dressings at the drainage site, monitor the color and amount of drainage, keep the surrounding skin clean and dry, avoid friction or irritation to the wound, maintain a light diet rich in protein to support healing, and promptly report any abnormalities to the physician.