Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 12/30/2009

Question
Hello,

I need some advice regarding my daughter, she had her appendix removed in march of this year and she is still get alot of pain and discomfort around her belly button and down the right hand side I have been told by a friend off mine that sometimes they accidentally leave some off the appendix behind as they did a laproscopic procedure on her. I have written to the surgeon who sent her for a scan which did not show anything. Is there any thing that the Surgeon can do apart from a scan as she is in so much pain and discomfort she is not sleeping. she manages around one hour possible two a night which is not healthy for her. also since she had a General for the procedure she has not been her self I know its nine months ago but I belive that it may off affected her in some way, as she is tired all the time, lack off energy and very down. I know that she is 18 and a difficult teenager years and all off that but I belived that something has happened can you shred any light on this.

Thank you. Leanne

Answer
Leanne
I am sorry to hear about your daughter's problem. You have done the right thing in getting referred back to the surgeon. I don't buy into a 'leaving something behind' causing the problem, I'm sure your friend is well meaning but this is not a realistic cause.
I suspect your surgeon will review your daughter after the scan and discuss where to go next and it's difficult/inappropriate for me to suggest where that might lead.
It is possible for small 'adhesions' to form after an operation especially from an infected appendix. If this was felt to be a possibility then they might (and I say might) suggest another laparoscopy.
Finally there is always the chance that it is something else completely. There are all sorts of things that are possible. It is a sad fact that pelvic inflammatory disease has an ever increasing incidence in the young.
Sorry I can't help further.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson