Post-op Instructions: Appendectomy

Diet

There are no dietary restrictions but you should eat lightly for the first day or two.

Let your body be your guide. If nausea or vomiting occurs, stick with clear liquids until it passes.

Activity

Use common sense in day to day activities; if it hurts, don't do it.

No heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. Otherwise, there are no restrictions. Sexual activities may be resumed when comfortable.

Medications

For moderate to severe pain, use prescribed medication as directed. For mild pain, you may try acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the manufacturer's instructions.

Narcotic used for pain management may cause constipation. Take a laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or prune juice if you have not moved your bowels in 2 days.

Resume all medications that you were taking prior to surgery unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon.

Wound Care

If you have a gauze outer dressing over the incision, you may remove it in 24 hours, but leave all paper strips (steri-strips) and sutures in place. Do not cut or remove any sutures.

Bathing: Once you have removed the outer gauze dressing, you may shower or bathe (24 hours after the surgery) but do not soak in a hot tub or swim for 2 weeks.

When to Contact Your Physician

A slight fever for a day or two is fairly common. Call your physician for fever of 101°F or greater or signs of wound infection: redness, swelling, heat, increased tenderness, cloudy drainage.

Your surgeon or their staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at: (707) 393-4090 or through the hospital operator at (707) 393-4000.

For all problems after hours and on weekends and holidays, call (707) 393-4044 or the emergency department at (707) 393-4800.

For non-urgent issues, you may also email your doctor.