Discharge Instructions for Open Appendectomy (Appendix Removal)

You have had an open appendectomy to remove your appendix. The appendix is a worm-shaped hollow pouch attached to the beginning of your large intestine. During an open appendectomy, one cut (an incision about 2 to 4 inches long) was made in your lower right side. A longer incision may have been used if the appendix burst. Here are guidelines to follow at home.

Incision care

Tips for taking care of your incision include:

Wear loose-fitting clothes. This will help you be more comfortable and cause less irritation around your incision.
Shower as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Gently wash around your incision with soap and water.
Don’t bathe or soak in a tub or swim in a pool until your incisions are well healed and your healthcare provider says it's OK.
If your incision was closed with small, white strips of tape, don't pull them. They will fall off on their own in about a week.

Diet

Diet tips after your appendix was removed:

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.
Take a fiber-based laxative if you are constipated. You may also use a stool softener to prevent constipation.
Eat a bland, low-fat diet at first. Slowly progress to a regular diet as instructed. Foods include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Plain toast or bread, crackers
- Soup
- Plain spaghetti
- Rice
- Macaroni (plain or with cheese)
- Cottage cheese
- Pudding
- Low-fat yogurt
- Low-fat milk
- Canned fruit (except pineapple)
- Very ripe bananas

Activity

Follow these tips for activities:

If you had general anesthesia, don’t operate machinery or power tools, drink alcohol, or make major decisions for at least the first 24 hours.
Slowly increase your activity level to help with your recovery. Start by doing light activities around your home once you feel able to do so.
Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine.
Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
Limit sports and strenuous activities for 1 or 2 weeks. or as directed by your provider.