How long does it take to recover from surgery for appendicitis?

In general, the recovery time after surgery for appendicitis varies from person to person. With minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, basic recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks, while traditional open abdominal surgery requires 2–3 weeks. The exact recovery period is closely related to the surgical method, individual physical condition, and postoperative care. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Currently, most clinical cases use minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which involves less trauma and reduced bleeding. Patients can usually get out of bed within 1–2 days after surgery and are discharged within 3–5 days. Most can resume normal daily activities and light exercise within 1–2 weeks. In contrast, traditional open surgery causes greater trauma; patients may not be able to get out of bed until 3–5 days post-surgery and are typically discharged after 5–7 days. Full recovery to a normal state usually takes 2–3 weeks, with even longer recovery times required before resuming physically demanding work.

Younger patients and those in good physical condition tend to recover significantly faster than elderly individuals or those with underlying medical conditions. Following surgery, adhering to medical advice—such as maintaining a light diet, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping the surgical wound clean and dry—can effectively reduce the risk of infection and accelerate recovery. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, or fever at the incision site occur, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent delayed healing.

Gradually increasing activity levels after surgery, avoiding heavy lifting too early, and establishing regular sleep patterns and healthy eating habits create favorable conditions for recovery and help patients return to normal life more quickly.