Discharge Instructions for Open Appendectomy (Appendix Removal)

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.

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

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.

Swelling, oozing, more pain, or abnormal redness around the incision

Fever of  100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

Chills

Increasing belly pain

Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation

Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

Leg swelling