What should be done if a wound infection occurs after laparoscopic appendectomy?
Oct 31, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, the main treatments for wound infection following laparoscopic appendectomy include wound cleaning and disinfection, drainage of pus, medication, physical therapy, and systemic supportive care. Additionally, patients should regularly change wound dressings during treatment, monitor wound healing, strictly adhere to prescribed medications, and must not adjust dosages on their own. If worsening redness and swelling of the wound occurs.
Generally, the main treatments for wound infection after laparoscopic appendectomy include wound cleaning and disinfection, abscess drainage, medication therapy, physical therapy, and systemic supportive treatment. Specific details are as follows:
1. Wound Cleaning and Disinfection
After a wound becomes infected, secretions or necrotic tissue may remain locally, so prompt cleaning and disinfection are necessary to remove contaminants and prevent worsening infection. Healthcare providers will flush the wound with normal saline to remove surface pus and debris, then disinfect the surrounding skin with povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide solution. Keeping the wound area dry and clean helps create a sterile environment conducive to tissue repair.
2. Drainage of Pus
If an abscess forms within the wound or there is significant exudate, accumulated pus can lead to spreading infection and therefore requires drainage. Based on the wound condition, doctors may place sterile drain strips or drainage tubes to remove pus and exudative fluid from the wound. This reduces local pressure, promotes resolution of inflammation, and prevents further progression of infection.
3. Medication Therapy
Medication is key to controlling wound infection, and patients should follow medical advice when using drugs. Topical medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound polymyxin B ointment can be applied directly to the wound surface to inhibit bacterial growth. Oral antibiotics such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules may also be prescribed. In some cases, intravenous antibiotic infusion may be required to enhance anti-infective efficacy.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can assist in relieving redness, swelling, and pain caused by wound infection and promote healing. Commonly used methods include infrared irradiation and microwave therapy. Infrared radiation improves local blood circulation at the wound site, accelerates absorption of inflammatory mediators, and reduces swelling and pain. Microwave therapy uses thermal effects to stimulate tissue regeneration and enhance local tissue resistance, thereby facilitating faster wound healing.
5. Systemic Supportive Treatment
Wound infection often increases bodily consumption, so systemic supportive treatment is needed to strengthen immune function and aid recovery. Patients should ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion. Nutritionally, they should consume foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, fresh vegetables, and fruits. When necessary, nutritional supplements may be taken under medical guidance to provide sufficient energy for the body to fight infection.
In addition, during treatment, patients must regularly change wound dressings and monitor wound healing progress. They should strictly adhere to medical instructions regarding medication and must not adjust dosages on their own. If symptoms such as increased redness and swelling, worsening pain, or fever occur, prompt medical attention is essential so that doctors can adjust the treatment plan and prevent disease progression.
