Temperature after removal of appendicitis

Appendectomy is the most common urgent surgery. Surgeons deal with it almost daily. The reaction of the human body in the form of an increase in temperature after surgery is a variant of the norm in most clinical situations. This indicates the activation of the body's defenses (immune system). But sometimes hyperthermia is the first sign that indicates the development of postoperative complications in the human body.

Hyperthermia after surgery is very frightening for many patients. But doctors do not advise to "sound the alarm" right away. It is necessary to pay attention to how the operation was performed, whether there were any complications (for example, peritonitis). Then to assess the nature of hyperthermia - to what indicators it rises and how often it happens. The presence of a threat to health is evidenced by an increase in temperature to critical levels.

Relationship between the type of appendectomy and hyperthermia

It is very difficult to predict in advance exactly how a person will react to the removal of the appendix, and how long the temperature will last after the interventions. It is important to understand that hyperthermia after surgery is an expected phenomenon.

The indicators are to some extent influenced by the method that the surgeon chose to remove the inflamed appendix:

• laparoscopic. A more modern and less traumatic way. Removal of the inflamed appendix is ​​carried out through several small holes in the abdomen. The duration of the rehabilitation period is significantly reduced, since during the intervention, the tissues were minimally damaged. Usually, the temperature after the operation lasts for 2-3 days, and then disappears without a trace and on its own. It rises to subfebrile values;
• abdominal operation. This method is used mainly in difficult clinical cases (for example, with peritonitis, perforation of the appendix or purulent exudate). Removal of the affected process is carried out through a classic incision in the abdomen, which is then stitched. The rehabilitation period is longer. The temperature can be both subfebrile and relatively high - 38-38.5 ° С. Lasts up to 10 days.

Prolonged and persistent hyperthermia is the first of the signs that indicates the progression of an infectious or inflammatory process, as well as the development of complications after the intervention.

Fever classification

Fever is classified based on two criteria - on the characteristics of fluctuations in temperature indicators and on the degree of rise. The doctor must take into account all these data in order to determinewhether an increase in temperature is the norm after removal of the appendix, or is the pathology progressing.

Rise level classification:

1. Subfebrile. Keeps within from 37 to 37.5 ° C. In the postoperative period, such indicators are considered the norm. They are an "indicator" of the active work of the immune system. This type of hyperthermia does not need to be stopped.
2. Febrile. His at 38-39 ° C. This type of hyperthermia indicates the development of secondary inflammation. The patient's condition usually worsens. If necessary, give antipyretic drugs (as prescribed by a doctor).
3. Pyretic. This type of hyperthermia is simply called fever. The patient is literally "on fire." Indicators exceed 39 ° C. In most clinical cases, this sign indicates the presence of inflammation of a local or generalized type. It is necessary to stop hyperthermia. In addition, doctors may decide to conduct antibiotic therapy or even re-surgery.
4. Hyperpyretic. Most dangerous type that can be fatal with absence qualified and timely assistance. The temperature is over 40 ° C. Emergency intervention is required, since such an indicator is usually a sign of a generalized infectious process or even sepsis.

Classification according to temperature fluctuations:

1. Constant hyperthermia. This type is more characteristic of subfebrile or febrile temperatures. The presence of a persistent fever usually indicates the development of a chronic inflammatory process. NSproviders change no more than one degree in 24 hours.
2. Laxative. This type is characteristic of diseases with suppuration. The indicators are different and do not last long. The temperature usually fluctuates by 1-2 degrees per day.
3. Intermittent. This type is characterized by sharp jumps in temperature from high values ​​(38-39 °) to normal. Such differences are usually recorded once a day. After 2-3 days, the same situation repeats again.
4. Returnable. An increase in temperature is observed for 2-3 days, then it drops to normal. This type of fever is cyclical. The situation is repeated 2 to 5 times during the entire period of the disease.
5. Hectic. It is characterized by sharp changes in temperature indicators up to 5 times in one day. This type of fever is very dangerous for the patient. He exhausts him and depletes the strength of the body. Hectic fever usually accompanies viral or bacterial infections, sepsis and purulent pathologies.
6. Wavy. A characteristic feature is a gradual increase and a gradual decrease in temperature (over several days).
7. Atypical. Patterns in temperature change not visible. Also, hyperthermia cannot be associated with any objective reasons.
8. Perverted. By the evening, the temperature becomes even lower than it was in the morning.
9. Sharp undulating. The attacks of temperature rise are short, there are no breaks between them.
10. Recurrent. Fever reappears after remission.

A short-term fever with low rates does not pose a threat to human health or life. Fear should be caused by hyperthermia, which is observed for more than ten days and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• prolonged constipation;
• cramps in the abdomen, especially in the area of ​​surgery;
• nausea, vomiting;
• the appearance of pathological impurities in the stool - streaks of blood, mucus;
• chills and cold sweats;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• dizziness;
• violation of consciousness.

If at least one of these signs is detected, you should inform your doctor. He will assess the condition and intensity of the manifestation of these signs, prescribe a treatment plan, which may involve the use of both conservative and surgical techniques.

Why doesn't the temperature drop after appendectomy?

Any surgical intervention is the strongest shock for the body. During the operation, the integrity of the skin, muscle fibers is violated, cells are destroyed. Also, the intervention can disrupt the natural functioning of vital organs. Temperature rise is a natural process. This is how the body "responds" to a traumatic effect. After the operation, the number of leukocytes in the bloodstream increases. This is a defense mechanism. Its main task is to timely identify and neutralize pathogenic microorganisms that can provoke the progression of complications.

The reasons why after appendectomy the temperature does not drop to normal values:

• a decrease in the protective functions of the body, as a result of which the patient was struck by a respiratory infection;
• great blood loss during the removal of the appendix;
• during the operation the peritoneum was injured. An increase in temperature signals that tissues and organs located close to the appendix are inflamed;
• penetration of infectious agents into the wound that provoked a local inflammatory process;
• poor quality and untimely processing of the postoperative suture;
• violation of the prescribed diet. After the operation, dietary food is indicated. If the patient, contrary to the prohibitions of doctors, began to eat fried, spicy and solid foods, then this could well become the cause of constipation. Feces and toxins poison the body, as a result of which hyperthermia arose;
• installation of postoperative drainage. In some cases, this is a necessary measure, but the body can perceive it as a foreign body and react with an increase in temperature;
• intoxication due to tissue necrosis;
• early removal of stitches can also cause hyperthermia if an infection enters the wound.

To identify the true cause of hyperthermia after appendectomy, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis, including laboratory and instrumental techniques.

Diagnostics and treatment

Throughout the entire period of rehabilitation, the temperature should not rise above febrile. In the event that, after 10-12 days after the appendectomy, hyperthermia still persists or even intensifies, doctors decide to conduct therapeutic therapy.

To begin with, it is important to clarify what exactly caused the increase in temperature in the patient. Assign:

• general analysis of blood and urine;
• blood chemistry;
• bacterial culture (if an infection is suspected);
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

This is usually enough to assess the degree of the inflammatory process. Based on the data obtained, doctors draw up the most effective therapy plan. The patient is not discharged until the moment when his condition is not completely stabilized.

The treatment plan includes:

• the appointment of antibacterial agents. They are necessary if it has been established that the cause of hyperthermia is the addition of a bacterial infection;
• the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the severity of the inflammatory process;
• when the temperature rises to high numbers, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen may be prescribed;
• strict diet;
• if necessary, a second surgical intervention can be performed.

The therapy is carried out strictly under the supervision of the attending physician. Taking any medications or folk remedies is strictly prohibited. Self-medication can lead to disastrous consequences.

Video: Temperature after surgery to remove appendicitis

Sources:

1. http://www.rcrz.kz/docs/clinic_protocol/2014/%D0%A5%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%A5%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%9E%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%82%20%D1%83%20%D0%B2%D0%B7%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%8B%D1%85.pdf
2. https://diseases.medelement.com/disease/%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%B9-%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%82-2018/16080
3. https://gastrot.ru/kishechnik/temperatura-posle-udaleniya-appenditsita