Determining the Difficulties Experienced by Patients in Activities of Daily Living After Appendectomy: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Appendectomies are among the most frequently performed emergency surgical procedures. Following this surgery, patients often encounter difficulties in performing daily life activities. 
 Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the difficulties patients experience after undergoing an appendectomy.
 Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent an appendectomy were included in the study was conducted using a cross-sectional research design. The data of the study were collected using questionnaires. Questionnaires were administered to the patients face-to-face on the day of discharge and in the postoperative 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks via tele-follow up visits. Descriptive statistical methods, Mann Whitney U, and Friedman tests were used in evaluating the data. 
 Results: The results indicated that the patients experienced difficulties and statistically significantly decreased over time. The difficulties they experienced, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain, loss of appetite, body image were more common in the female patients than in the male patients after the appendectomy. Furthermore, it was found that the patients whose appendectomy was performed using the open method experienced more postoperative difficulties and that the level of difficulties experienced by the patients gradually decreased over time. 
 Conclusion: From the results of the study, the patients who have undergone an appendectomy experienced difficulties. It is recommended that patients who have undergone an appendectomy be followed up by phone and provided counseling after discharge in order to prevent the potential difficulties they may experience.