appy scar on left side??

debthern · Jul 30, 2008

maybe laprascopically

RNKPCE · Jul 30, 2008

It was laproscopic. My husbands was a laproscopic and on the right side. It just seems weird to go in on the opposite side then have to go across to the other side of the abdomen with whatever instruments they are using. Also would this increase the chance of adhesions?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 30, 2008

When surgery is done laparoscopically, the cavity is filled with CO2 so that the surgeon has a view of the target area. The scope is often inserted via an incision in the umbilicus and the other instruments are introduced through stab wounds at a distance from the target so that there's room for manipulation and for the surgeon to see what is going on. The insufflation of the cavity lessens the risk of adhesions somewhat, because the instruments don't actually touch all that much while they're in there... unless they have to lyse a lot of adhesions. I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy two years ago and came out with four incisions: one in my umbilicus, on on each side of my abdomen about 3 inches from my umbilicus and a 3 cm long one just above my symphisis. It was so different from my previous surgeries.

RN1989 · Jul 30, 2008

Sounds like a laparoscopy as noted above. I have had a few patients over the years that had their insides "flipped" and they had to have a second incision to get their appendix out of the "wrong" side. Weird.

geek, BSN · Jul 30, 2008

Yes, I was going to say maybe they were situs inversus...internal organs on the opposite side from normal. My lap appy scars are belly button, right side, and low center.

psalm, RN · Jul 30, 2008

Yeah, my cousin had constant left lower quadrant pain, and docs thought it was her left ovary. Finally with a fever, she went to the ER, was admitted, had surgery and her appendix was on her left side! This happened 34 years ago...

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 30, 2008

Sounds like a laparoscopy as noted above. I have had a few patients over the years that had their insides "flipped" and they had to have a second incision to get their appendix out of the "wrong" side. Weird.

Situs inversus and right heterotaxy syndrome will put the appendix on the left. Left heterotaxy syndrome eliminates the appendix altogether.