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Why do I still have pain 20 days after an appendectomy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had my appendix removal surgery before twenty days via laparoscopy. I have been having pain in the right lower abdomen for the past three to four days. Ultrasound shows mild post-operation fluid build-up. I have enclosed my USG report. Is this serious? What does this mean?

Please advise on diagnosis and treatment.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ahmad Saeed Meleha

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ahmad Saeed Meleha is a General and Pediatric Surgery Specialist with extensive clinical practice, dedicated to delivering safe and effective surgical care. He is well-trained in diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in newborns, children, and adolescents, ensuring compassionate care for young patients. His expertise includes neonatal and pediatric surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and managing congenital and developmental surgical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

I have seen the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

When anybody has an intra-abdominal inflammation, there will be inflammatory fluids, which is described as a fluid collection. This inflammatory fluid irritates the abdomen and causes pain.

When we do a laparoscopic appendectomy, there will be some inflammatory fluids. After the surgery is done, the surgeon cleans this fluid by suction.

Many hidden intra-abdominal pouches may collect some fluids and remain in the abdominal cavity even after the operation. Some surgeons may put an intra-abdominal drain to drain any remaining fluids, while others are satisfied with good suction. Anyway, the minimal remaining inflammatory fluid is not a big deal and will be naturally reabsorbed by the body with the aid of medication.

So you now have two reasons for the pain:

1. The operation itself and the healing wound.

2. The remaining intra-abdominal inflammatory fluid.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Do you suggest any medication? Or should I just leave and let it heal on its own?

I have enclosed my USG report for your reference.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ahmad Saeed Meleha

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ahmad Saeed Meleha is a General and Pediatric Surgery Specialist with extensive clinical practice, dedicated to delivering safe and effective surgical care. He is well-trained in diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in newborns, children, and adolescents, ensuring compassionate care for young patients. His expertise includes neonatal and pediatric surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and managing congenital and developmental surgical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen your report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Continue on your regular post-operative medications, and this fluid will get reabsorbed over time. Even your pain will decrease gradually.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 25, 2019
Reviewed At March 24, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ahmad Saeed Meleha is a General and Pediatric Surgery Specialist with extensive clinical practice, dedicated to delivering safe and effective surgical care. He is well-trained in diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in newborns, children, and adolescents, ensuring compassionate care for young patients. His expertise includes neonatal and pediatric surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and managing congenital and developmental surgical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ahmad Saeed Meleha is a General and Pediatric Surgery Specialist with extensive clinical practice, dedicated to delivering safe and effective surgical care. He is well-trained in diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in newborns, children, and adolescents, ensuring compassionate care for young patients. His expertise includes neonatal and pediatric surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and managing congenital and developmental surgical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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