ovarian/hysterectomy surgery + appendectomy

[nic112]

Hi all.  After a long battle with ovarian cysts, four weeks ago I had one ovary removed, along with my uterus (due to some fibroids).  While my doc was doing surgery, my appendix appeared red, inflamed, and had scar tissue surrounding it and therefore, it was also removed, However, later, I was told by the nurse that my appendix came back from the pathology report as "normal."  I find this very confusing - although I know it is a moot point now (since it has already been removed:) I know this is not a community for appendixes but after reading up, it seems that appendixes are sometimes removed in similar cases to mine - when an ovary or uterus are the primary reason for the surgery - especially for women who have hysterectomies in their 30s.  Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if so, what they were told by their doctor.  

[Janpic]

Thanks for posting this. I can relate. Just had bilateral Salpingo oophorectomy & my appendix was also taken out without my surgeon telling me. I wish he did as I would have relieved my mind knowing that the burning pain on my right side after last weeks surgery is from removal of my appendix. I had to find out yesterday during my 1 week post op with the surgeon's nurse practitioner. I heard you don't need your appendix but wish I would have been told he took it out. Is this standard procedure where the surgeon feels it's not necessary to let the patient know especially after I complained to him about the burning pain on my right side & was given no answers by him??? Thanks for your support. Hope alls well Blessings Janpic

[fungirl1011]

I think that your doctor was just being cautious.  If your appendix was red and inflamed and he didn't remove it, it could have turned into something very serious.  It used to be common for the appendix to be removed during an abdominal surgery, but that really isn't done anymore.  I hope that you have a great recovery and get the answers from your doctor that you are seeking.  

[hopeshell]

Sometimes, one of the reasons for a woman's hysterectomy is persistent pain.  I don't think it is the usual protocol to remove the appendix unless it is suspect for a problem.  I had mine removed when I was 15 and had an ovarian cyst removed.  I had been in pain for quite awhile and was told that mine was enlarged.  It is a judgment call that your doctor makes at the time of surgery.  

There is a certain kind of ovarian tumor called an intestinal mucinous borderline tumor and it originates in the appendix.  There is no way to know if it is originating from the ovary or from the appendix without pathology.  So, it is common to have the appendix removed if your doctor suspects a borderline ovarian tumor.   The appendix can also be the site of aggressive cancer that has metastacized to the abdomen.

I suspect your doctor took the appendix because the scar tissue and ovarian cysts left him unclear about the type of cysts you had.  It is impossible to tell without final pathology.  If you did have some redness and scar tissue, this may save you from a future surgery down the road.  I am now 40 and have never had an issue in relation to the removal of my appendix when I was 15.  

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Shelly