Non-emergent appendectomy

[LeslieML]

Chase had surgery yesterday. I signed the consent the night before. my DH was there prior to the surgery and I was there right after. Tonight while reading thru his report of operation I find that they took his appendix out. The NEO on duty said it is common for them to remove it while they are doing abdominal surgery (why didn't they do it his last 4 abdominal surgeries if it is so COMMON?) I know it might have to come out eventually but it wasn't an emergency so they should have told us prior to it...what do you think?

[Barb]

I think it is very common with kiddos with abdominal abnormalities. When Bobby had his fundo, they did an appendectomy, too. The surgeon said it is a precaution b/c if kids with abdominal problems (like bowel malrotation, like Bobby had) get appendicitis, the appendix may be in the wrong place, so they will not diagnose it properly, which could lead to big problems.
They should have told you, but I wouldn't be upset about it. Seems like it should have been done before.
Hope Chase is doing okay???

[Judy]

I have also been told that it is standard procedure to remove the appendix IF they are doing surgery in that area. However, I have also heard that it is not standard procedure now. A funny little joke to cheer you up. When I had my first C-Section (with baby #3) and the operating notes came back, it stated they had removed my appendix. I could not wait to get to my family doctor the next month. Now, he had been taking care of me since I was 4 years old when he was a brand new doctor. My grandfather had been his first patient and my dad loved the way Dr. Jim took care of my grandfather so he started taking all the family to him. I went into his office and said "Dr. Dumas, please look over the operating notes from my C-Section." He did and I then said, did you remove my appendix and he said yes that is standard
procedure. The Nurse knew what was going on and she was about to crack up. I looked at him and said, well what did you remove when I was 21 years old and you took out my appendix? He nearly died. I said you probably did not dictate that. He said that they typed exactly what he dictated and that he must have been completely crazy that day. I teased him for years after than. When he was ready to delivery my 4th child he also had to perform a hysterectomy. I waited til we were in the operating room and I said..Don't forget to take out those old appendix. He cracked up and no one in there could figure out what we were laughing at.

Hope you all have a good day. God Bless You All.
Love from all of us

[cariaad]

I have seen consent forms that state something to the effect "any other procedures that appear necessary at the time". Did his have a clause like that? Just wondering. Hope he's doing well! Deb