Appendectomy in Singapore: Key Information to Know

In this appendectomy guide, we’ll walk you through when an appendectomy is needed, how it is performed, and what to expect during recovery.

Symptoms
Types of Appendectomy
Preparing for Appendix Surgery
Recovery
Appendectomy Cost
Patient Information

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to your large intestine. When infected, the appendix swells and causes inflammation, often leading to sharp pain in the lower right side of your abdomen. This condition is known as appendicitis and is usually treated with appendectomy – a surgical procedure to remove the infected appendix.

Appendectomy is a safe and routine procedure with a high success rate:

In Singapore, modern surgical techniques such as minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery allow for smaller incisions, faster recovery, and fewer complications. Most patients are discharged within one to two days and can return to normal activities shortly after.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through when an appendectomy is needed, how it is performed, and what to expect during recovery

Symptoms of Appendicitis

One of the earliest signs of appendicitis is pain around the navel, which later shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen.

However, it can be difficult to tell whether abdominal discomfort is harmless or a sign of something more serious like appendicitis. Here are some symptoms to watch for that may suggest it’s time to seek medical attention:

Pain that begins near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Low-grade fever that may worsen over time
Constipation or difficulty passing gas
Abdominal bloating
Worsening or sharp abdominal pain, especially with movement, coughing, or pressure

Open Appendectomy	Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Appendectomy
Surgical Method One larger incision (5 to 10 cm) made in lower right abdomen to remove the appendix	Surgical Method 3 to 4 small incisions are made near the belly and lower abdomen Surgical tools and a camera are then inserted to remove the appendix
Duration 60 to 90 minutes	Duration 45 to 60 minutes
Recovery Time Longer recovery period that may require 2 to 3 days or more in the hospital May take 4 to 6 weeks to return to regular activity	Recovery Time Faster recovery period that typically involves a shorter hospital stay of 1 to 2 days May take 1 to 2 weeks for patients to return to regular activity
Suitability Preferred in complicated cases e.g. when a patient has a ruptured appendix	Suitability Preferred in early and uncomplicated cases

Types of Appendectomy

Patients diagnosed with appendicitis typically undergo one of two surgical approaches: an open appendectomy or a laparoscopic (keyhole) appendectomy. Below are the key differences between the two procedures:

Open Appendectomy

In an open appendectomy, the surgeon makes an incision about 2 to 4 inches long in the lower right side of the abdomen and removes the appendix through this opening. This technique is often preferred in situations where the appendix has ruptured, leading to widespread infection, or when the appendix is difficult to access due to other factors. A surgeon may recommend an open appendectomy if:

The appendix has burst and the infection has spread within the abdomen
The patient has a history of previous abdominal surgeries, which may cause scar tissue (adhesions)
An appendix mass (a lump formed by inflamed tissue and infection) is present

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Laparoscopic appendectomy, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive alternative for patients with appendicitis, particularly when there are no complications such as a ruptured appendix or widespread infection. During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a thin camera (laparoscope) along with specialised surgical instruments to remove the appendix. The camera provides a magnified view, allowing precise surgery through small openings. This method is less invasive compared to open appendectomy and is often preferred if you are:

Older
Pregnant
Overweight or obese
Seeking a quicker recovery and reduced risk of wound infection

How to Prepare for an Appendectomy

Before the Appendectomy

Before surgery, your doctor will assess your physical condition and review your medical history. They will also likely order blood tests to check for signs of infection, and imaging tests like a CT scan or ultrasound may be used to confirm appendicitis and help guide the surgical approach.

Your current medications will also be reviewed, and if an infection is present, antibiotics are usually prescribed before the surgery.

On the Day of the Appendectomy

Fasting before the surgery is required; you’ll need to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the surgery to reduce the risk of vomiting during anesthesia and prevent the possibility of aspiration.

What to Expect After an Appendectomy

You may experience the following an appendectomy:

Pain and discomfort around the incision site or within the abdominal area
Post-surgery fatigue
Tenderness and itchiness at the incision site as the wound heals
Constipation or diarrhoea

Recovery After an Appendectomy

Recovery after the surgery is usually quick and you can expect to go home 2 to 3 days (open appendectomy) or 1 to 2 days (keyhole appendectomy).

That said, a full recovery from an open appendectomy takes about 4 to 6 weeks and about 1 to 2 weeks for a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Your doctor will also recommend limiting your physical activity and avoid any strenuous activity to allow your body to heal.

Risks and Benefits

An appendectomy is generally a safe and routine procedure, especially when performed promptly. However, like all surgeries, it carries certain risks and potential complications.

Risks of an Appendectomy

Possible risks and complications, although rare, include:

Wound infection
Bleeding
Blocked bowels (bowel obstruction due to scar tissue)
Injury to nearby organs, such as the intestines, bladder, or blood vessels
Complications from anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties
Formation of an abscess (in cases of a ruptured appendix)

Benefits of an Appendectomy

Despite the risks, appendectomy offers clear and important benefits, including:

Permanent cure for appendicitis, preventing rupture and serious infection
Relief from symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and fever
Reduced risk of life-threatening complications, such as peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining)
Faster recovery with laparoscopic surgery, including smaller scars, less postoperative
pain, and a shorter hospital stay (in uncomplicated cases)
High success rate, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks

Cost of an Appendectomy in Singapore

The fee for an appendectomy in Singapore costs between $4,700 to $7,500 before GST.

However, it is important to note that the cost mentioned is just the surgeon’s fee and excludes any hospital fees or pre- and post-surgery fees. These fees can include:

Pre-surgery consultations with the surgeon
Diagnostic tests such as CT scans, blood tests and imaging tests
Post-surgery follow-up appointments
Medications such as antibiotics or painkillers

Additionally, the actual cost of your appendicitis surgery may vary depending:

Type of surgery
○ A keyhole appendectomy may have different costs compared to open appendectomy, depending on the complexity and hospital policies
Location
○ The cost can vary significantly depending on which hospital the surgery is performed
Surgeon’s fees
○ The experience and expertise of the surgeon can influence the cost
Complications
○ The cost of your procedure may rise if your appendix has ruptured, as this can lead to infections or other complications that require more complex treatment.
Insurance
○ If you have insurance, the out-of-pocket costs may depend on your plan’s coverage for surgeries and hospital stays

Experiencing severe or recurring symptoms? Speak to our specialist today

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Medisave for My Appendectomy?

Yes, Medisave can be used to subsidise the cost of your appendectomy. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about using your Medisave.

Do I Still Need Surgery If My Appendix Has Not Ruptured?

In most cases, surgery is still recommended even if your appendix has not ruptured.

This is because appendicitis can worsen quickly, and the risk of the appendix bursting becomes higher the longer you wait. A burst appendix can cause serious, life-threatening infections in the
abdomen.

Will I Need to Change My Diet After An Appendectomy?

Your diet will likely consist of liquids and soft foods in the first few days post-surgery. You can usually revert to your regular diet once your digestion returns to normal unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Closing Thoughts

Appendectomy is a routine and safe procedure that effectively treats appendicitis and prevents serious complications. With timely surgery and proper care, most patients recover quickly and return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain or other symptoms of appendicitis, do not delay seeking medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment make a significant difference in recovery and long-term health.

Knowing what to expect can ease any concerns you may have and help you approach surgery with greater confidence. Always consult your doctor for personalised advice and care.

If you have concerns about your symptoms or would like to discuss treatment options, contact us today.

Dr. Tan Chun Hai is a dual fellowship-trained specialist in Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Stomach Cancer Surgery and Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. He treats conditions such as gallstones, appendicitis, GERD, and upper gastrointestinal cancers of the stomach and oesophagus, with a focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques to
support smoother recovery and shorter hospital stays.

In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr. Tan performs endoscopies and manages a wide range of digestive disorders, including abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

Where appropriate, he provides same-day treatment within a few hours of diagnosis, helping patients receive timely care.

References:

1. Laparoscopic Appendectomy Translates into Less Analgesics and Faster Return to Work in Asia
Authors: Anil Dinkar Rao, Chung Boon Daryl Tan, Reyaz Moiz Singaporewalla
Published in: JSLS (Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons), 2022 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35815330/

2. Single-Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Prospective Case Series at a Single Centre in Singapore
Authors: Rajat Goel et al.
Published in: Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques, 2011

3. Clinical Outcome and Cost Comparison Between Laparoscopic and Open Appendicectomy
Authors: Winson JH Tan et al.
Published in: Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 2014 – https://annals.edu.sg/pdf/43VolNo9Sep2014/V43N9p464.pdf

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