Appendicectomy in Windhoek

About this service

An appendicectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix, is performed in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre, most often as an urgent procedure for appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected, typically causing worsening abdominal pain, nausea and fever, and it generally requires prompt surgical removal to prevent the appendix from rupturing. Because of this, an appendicectomy is often arranged quickly once the diagnosis is confirmed, rather than scheduled well in advance.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, and while recovery time can vary depending on how advanced the appendicitis was, many patients are up and moving again within a day or two. Your surgeon will explain what was found during surgery and what recovery involves for you specifically.

What to expect

• You are assessed urgently to confirm appendicitis before surgery is arranged.
• General anaesthesia is given, and the appendix is removed through one or more small incisions in the lower abdomen.
• You wake in recovery with your surgeon's findings explained, including whether the appendix had burst.
• Many patients are walking and eating within a day or two, with antibiotics if the infection had spread.

Who is it for?

You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:

• Worsening pain in the lower right abdomen
• Abdominal pain alongside nausea, fever or loss of appetite
• A doctor suspects or has diagnosed appendicitis
• Sudden abdominal pain that is getting rapidly worse

Frequently asked questions