Appendectomy in Seomyeon, Busan

What is an appendectomy?

The appendix is a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. When it becomes blocked and infected, it swells and can burst (perforate), spreading infection in the abdomen. An appendectomy removes it. Laparoscopic surgery through small incisions is now the most common approach and allows a quick recovery. The appendix has no essential function, so removing it does not affect digestion.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Pain that begins around the belly button and shifts to the lower right abdomen
Pain worse with walking, coughing or bumps in the road
Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
Low-grade fever

Symptoms can be atypical in children, older adults and pregnant women. Appendicitis is an emergency: go to an emergency department or call 119 rather than waiting for a clinic appointment. Avoid painkillers and laxatives before assessment unless advised.

What happens at the hospital

Emergency assessment: examination, blood tests for infection and a urine test.
Imaging: CT is commonly used in adults; ultrasound is preferred in children and pregnancy.
Decision: surgery for most cases; antibiotics alone may be considered for selected uncomplicated cases.
Surgery: under general anesthesia, the appendix is tied off and removed through small incisions.
Ward care: pain relief, fluids and early walking; antibiotics continue if the appendix had burst.

Recovery and aftercare

After uncomplicated laparoscopic surgery, many people go home within one to two days and return to desk work within one to two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks. Perforated appendicitis requires a longer hospital stay and antibiotics. Watch for wound redness, fever or worsening pain.

Risks and side effects

Possible complications include wound infection, an abscess inside the abdomen (more common after perforation), bleeding and, rarely, injury to nearby organs. Antibiotic-only treatment avoids surgery but carries a risk of appendicitis returning.

Choosing a hospital for appendectomy in Seomyeon

For suspected appendicitis, go to a hospital with an emergency department and 24-hour surgery rather than a small outpatient clinic.
Ask whether surgery will be laparoscopic and whether a pediatric surgeon is available for children.
If antibiotics alone are offered, ask about recurrence risk.
Ask for a discharge summary in English if you need records for travel insurance.
Know your blood type, allergies and medications to speed assessment.

For travellers

Appendicitis can strike during a trip. Hospitals with emergency departments serve central Busan, and calling 119 is the fastest route when pain is severe.

How do I know if I have appendicitis?

Classic signs are pain moving from the navel to the lower right abdomen, worsening over hours, with nausea, appetite loss and mild fever. Only a medical assessment with tests can confirm it.

Can appendicitis be treated with antibiotics instead of surgery?

For selected uncomplicated cases, antibiotics alone may work, but appendicitis can return. Surgery remains the standard treatment. Discuss the options with the surgeon.

How long is the hospital stay after appendectomy?

Uncomplicated laparoscopic cases often go home in one to two days. If the appendix burst, the stay is usually longer for antibiotics.

How long until I can return to work?

Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks after laparoscopic surgery. Heavy physical work may require a few weeks off.

What should I do if I suspect appendicitis in Busan?

Go to a hospital emergency department or call 119. Do not wait for symptoms to settle, and avoid strong painkillers or laxatives before being examined.

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