Appendectomy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small pouch located in the lower right side of the abdomen. In Grand Rapids, MI, appendectomies are commonly performed as emergency procedures at local hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health to treat appendicitis (an inflamed, infected appendix).

Because appendicitis can progress quickly—especially during Michigan’s cold winters when people may delay going out for care—it’s important for Grand Rapids residents to recognize symptoms and seek prompt medical attention.

What Is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked and infected, usually by intestinal bacteria. This blockage may be caused by:

  • A faecalith (a small, hard mass of stool)
  • Swelling of the lymphatic tissue in the appendix (often after a viral infection)
  • Less commonly, a foreign body or scar tissue/adhesions in the bowel

When the appendix is blocked, bacteria multiply, pressure builds, and the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen. If not treated, it can rupture (burst) and spread infection throughout the abdomen.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Common symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • Nausea and sometimes vomiting
  • Constipation or changes in bowel habits
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain that:
    • Often starts near the belly button (central abdomen)
    • Moves to the lower right side of the abdomen
    • Becomes sharper and more intense over time
  • Tenderness when the lower right side of the abdomen is touched
  • Low-grade fever or feeling generally unwell

In some people—especially older adults, people with diabetes, or pregnant women—symptoms may be milder or less typical. During flu season in West Michigan, abdominal pain can sometimes be mistaken for a stomach virus, so ongoing or worsening right-sided pain should be evaluated urgently.

If you are in the Grand Rapids area and have sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially with fever, nausea, or vomiting, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

Why Appendicitis Is an Emergency

If appendicitis is left untreated, the appendix can rupture. When this happens:

  • Infected material leaks into the abdominal cavity
  • This can lead to peritonitis, a serious infection and inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall and organs

Without prompt treatment, peritonitis can be life-threatening and usually requires:

  • Emergency surgery
  • Strong intravenous (IV) antibiotics
  • A longer hospital stay and recovery time

Emergency departments in Grand Rapids (Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) are equipped to diagnose and treat appendicitis and its complications quickly.

Diagnosing Appendicitis in Grand Rapids

When you arrive at a Grand Rapids emergency department with suspected appendicitis, the medical team will typically:

  • Review your symptoms and medical history
  • Perform a physical exam, including gently pressing on your abdomen to check for tenderness
  • Order blood tests to look for signs of infection
  • Possibly order imaging tests, such as:
    • Ultrasound
    • CT scan (computed tomography)

In some cases—especially when symptoms are not typical—these tests help confirm whether surgery is needed.

Appendectomy: The Preferred Treatment

Surgery is the standard treatment for appendicitis. Delaying an appendectomy in the hope that the pain will “settle down” increases the risk of a ruptured appendix and serious infection.

Once you are admitted to a hospital in Grand Rapids:

  • Your temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure will be closely monitored
  • You may receive IV fluids and pain medication
  • If your surgeon believes your appendix is at high risk of rupturing, you will be taken to the operating room as soon as possible

If the diagnosis is less clear, your surgeon may wait for imaging and lab results before deciding to operate.

Types of Appendectomy

In Grand Rapids hospitals, appendectomy is typically performed using one of two main techniques:

Open Appendectomy

  • A single incision (cut) is made in the lower right side of the abdomen
  • The surgeon goes through the skin, underlying tissue, and abdominal wall to reach the appendix
  • The blood vessels supplying the appendix are clamped
  • The appendix is cut and removed
  • The incision is closed with stitches, staples, or surgical glue

Laparoscopic (“Keyhole”) Appendectomy

  • Usually involves three small incisions in the abdomen
  • A tiny camera and special instruments are inserted through these incisions
  • Gas is gently pumped into the abdomen to separate the abdominal wall from the organs, giving the surgeon a clear view
  • The appendix is detached and removed through one of the small incisions
  • The small incisions are then closed

Laparoscopic surgery often leads to:

  • Smaller scars
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Faster recovery and return to normal activities

However, if the appendix has ruptured or the infection is extensive, a laparoscopic procedure may need to be converted to an open surgery for safety.

Your Grand Rapids surgeon will discuss which approach is best for you based on:

  • How severe your appendicitis is
  • Your overall health
  • Any previous abdominal surgeries

Always ask your surgeon to explain your options in clear terms and feel free to bring a family member or friend to help you remember information.

Immediately After Appendectomy

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area, then to a hospital room. You can generally expect:

  • Vital signs monitoring
    • Nurses will regularly check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing
  • Pain management
    • Pain medication will be given as ordered by your doctor
    • Let your nurse know if your pain is not well controlled
  • Wound care
    • Nurses will examine your surgical site for any signs of infection or bleeding
  • Early movement
    • If there are no complications, you may be helped out of bed fairly soon after surgery
    • Gentle walking is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots and help your bowels start working again
    • Be careful with stairs to avoid straining your abdominal muscles
  • Diet
    • You may be allowed to drink fluids, then start eating light meals about 24 hours after surgery, depending on how you feel and your surgeon’s advice

For an uncomplicated appendectomy, many patients in Grand Rapids can leave the hospital within 2–3 days. Some laparoscopic cases may even go home sooner, depending on the hospital’s protocol and your recovery.

Recovery at Home in Grand Rapids

Once you are discharged, your care continues at home. General guidelines include:

Wound and Stitch Care

  • If you have external sutures or staples, they are usually removed after about 7–10 days at a follow-up visit
  • Some surgeons use dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed
  • Keep the incision clean and dry as instructed
  • Watch for signs of infection:
    • Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth
    • Pus or foul-smelling drainage
    • Fever or chills

Activity and Rest

  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks, as directed by your surgeon
  • Be cautious with:
    • Shoveling snow in winter
    • Lawn work or gardening in warmer months
    • Carrying heavy groceries or children
  • Gradually increase your activity level:
    • Start with short, gentle walks
    • Slowly return to normal activities after a few days, as you feel stronger
  • Make sure you get adequate rest. A rushed lifestyle and poor diet can slow your recovery.

Diet and Hydration

  • Follow any dietary advice given by your surgeon or hospital team
  • Drink plenty of water each day to help prevent constipation, especially during dry indoor heating months in Michigan winters
  • You may use a mild laxative for the first few days if recommended by your doctor
  • Eat balanced meals with:
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Whole grains
    • Lean protein

If you have questions about diet or recovery, you can also reach out to local resources like the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for general guidance.

When Appendicitis Is Complicated: Peritonitis

If your appendix ruptures before surgery and you develop peritonitis, your treatment will be more complex. In addition to appendectomy, you may need:

  • IV antibiotics to treat widespread infection
  • Surgical drainage of infected fluid or pus from the abdomen
  • Thorough cleaning (irrigation) of the abdominal cavity during surgery
  • A nasogastric tube (a tube through your nose into your stomach) for a day or two to rest your digestive system
  • Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support blood pressure

You can expect a longer hospital stay and a slower recovery if peritonitis occurs.

Possible Complications of Appendectomy

All surgeries carry some degree of risk. Common complications after appendectomy include:

Infections

  1. Intra-abdominal abscess

    • About 20% of people with a ruptured appendix may develop an abscess (a pocket of pus) inside the abdomen around two weeks after surgery
    • These abscesses usually need to be drained, either:
      • Surgically, or
      • With image-guided drainage using a needle or catheter

  2. Wound infection

    • Redness, swelling, pain, or discharge at the incision site
    • Usually treated with antibiotics and local wound care

Other Potential Issues

  • Bowel adhesions (bands of scar tissue that can cause future bowel obstruction)
  • Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Rare complications related to anesthesia or bleeding

If you notice any concerning symptoms after you return home in Grand Rapids—such as fever, worsening abdominal pain, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool—contact your surgeon or go to the nearest emergency department.

Long-Term Outlook After Appendectomy

The appendix appears to be a non-essential organ, and people live normal, healthy lives without it. After an appendectomy:

  • There is no risk of appendicitis returning, because the appendix has been completely removed
  • Most people can return to their usual activities, including work and exercise, after a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery and their overall health

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—staying active, eating a balanced diet, and keeping up with regular medical care—supports recovery and long-term health for Grand Rapids residents.

Local Resources and Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you think you may have appendicitis or are recovering from an appendectomy and have concerns, seek medical help promptly.

Local options include:

  • Your primary care provider or local family doctor
  • Emergency departments at:
    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (downtown Grand Rapids)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
    • Mercy Health facilities in the metro area
  • Urgent care centers affiliated with these health systems for initial evaluation (they may refer you to the ER if appendicitis is suspected)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for general health information and support resources

In a medical emergency, severe abdominal pain, or if you suspect a ruptured appendix, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Patients

  • Common symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain that typically moves to the lower right side.
  • If appendicitis is left untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to peritonitis, a life-threatening infection.
  • Surgery (appendectomy) is the preferred and most effective treatment for appendicitis.
  • The two main surgical techniques are open appendectomy and laparoscopic (keyhole) appendectomy.
  • Grand Rapids hospitals are well-equipped to diagnose and treat appendicitis quickly—do not delay seeking care if you have concerning symptoms.