7 - June Medical - An Introduction to Abdominal Surgery

Abdominal surgery encompasses various medical procedures performed on organs within the abdomen. Whether due to injury, illness, or a chronic condition, surgery is often necessary when non-surgical treatments can’t provide relief. 

Appendectomy

One of the most common reasons for abdominal surgery is the removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. The appendix is a small, tube-like organ on the right side of the abdomen, which can become inflamed or infected, leading to appendicitis. This can cause intense pain, fever, and nausea. If left untreated, an infected appendix may rupture, which can lead to serious complications. An appendectomy is typically performed to prevent this from happening. Fortunately, this type of surgery is minimally invasive. Surgeons often use self-retaining retractors for better visual access and patient outcomes. An abdominal surgery retractor frees up the hands of surgeons’ assistants and allow for less instrument clutter at the incision.

Gallbladder removal

The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver that stores bile, which helps digest fat. Gallstones (hardened deposits of bile) can form in the gallbladder and cause pain, nausea, and digestive issues. If gallstones become problematic, the gallbladder may need to be removed through a procedure called a cholecystectomy. People who undergo gallbladder removal usually experience a smooth recovery and lead normal lives without this organ. Some people experience diarrhea after the operation. It is recommended that patients reduce their fat intake for at least a week after surgery and slowly increase their soluble fiber intake.

Hernia repair

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Abdominal hernias are quite common and can result in pain and discomfort. They often occur in the groin area but can develop around the belly button or in the surgical site of an operation. Hernia repair surgery involves pushing the protruding tissue back into place and strengthening the surrounding muscles, usually with the use of mesh. 

Cancer treatment

Abdominal surgery is also commonly performed as part of the treatment for cancers that affect digestive organs including the colon, stomach, and pancreas. Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors, affected parts of the organs, or surrounding tissues. Sometimes a bowel resection is performed, which involves removing a portion of the colon or intestine affected by cancer. Abdominal surgery is sometimes combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This type of surgery can be lifesaving and is often a crucial part of cancer treatment.

Kidney surgery

The kidneys are vital organs located in the lower abdomen and are responsible for filtering waste from the blood. When a person experiences kidney problems like kidney stones, infections, or tumors, surgery may be necessary to treat the issue or remove the affected kidney. For kidney stones, surgery may be needed if the stones are too large to pass naturally or cause severe pain. 

A wide range of procedures

The above list isn’t extensive – abdominal surgery also encompasses treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastric bypass, and other surgeries. Each surgery is performed for different reasons depending on the condition. These surgeries are often lifesaving and improve a patient’s quality of life.