The usual stay in the hospital after an appendectomy is less than 4 days if your appendix did not rupture. If your appendix ruptured, you may stay in the hospital 7 days or longer. You can live a normal life without an appendix.

The most important factor in your recovery after surgery is following the full course of treatment ordered by your doctor, including taking all of any prescribed antibiotics. To feel better as soon as possible you should rest, get plenty of sleep, eat small frequent meals, gradually increase your walking and activity as directed by your doctor, keep your sutures clean, wash your hands before and after changing your bandages, continue taking your prescribed medications, and contact your doctor if you wound is red, warm, or draining, or if you have a fever.

There is no way to prevent appendicitis. However, appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods containing fiber and roughage such as raw vegetables and fruits.

If you think you might have appendicitis, call your doctor or 911 right away or go to your nearest emergency room, so that if your appendix is infected, it can be removed before it ruptures.