Appendix-related emergencies often arrive without warning, disrupting routines and forcing people to abruptly pause plans. What begins as mild discomfort can quickly turn into a situation requiring surgery, hospitalisation and recovery time. On 28 December, filmmaker Kiran Rao shared a candid health update on Instagram after undergoing surgery for her “12 mm diameter appendix,” offering a rare, human look at how suddenly health can demand attention.
Sharing photos and videos from the hospital where she underwent treatment, Rao wrote, “Here I was, all ready to party my way into 2026, when my appendix sent me a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and give thanks (folded hands and bowing emojis).”
Expressing gratitude for her care, she added, “Immense gratitude for:- modern medicine (still can’t understand how that whole 12mm dia appendix came out through a 10.5mm catheter, thank god I’m not a doctor).” She also thanked “the timely intervention of my friends and family (Aamir, Charles & Amin who sprang into action), and my other loved ones who mostly came around to laugh at my plumped lips – an allergic reaction, sadly they’re back to normal and unglam now…”
Updating followers on her recovery, she wrote, “Well, I’ve been discharged, and I’m back home, ready to ease myself into the new year,” before concluding, “2025 has been good to me and mine, and here’s hoping 2026 will be kind, fun, full of love – AND BETTER AQI – for all.”
While appendectomies are common, many people remain unclear about what actually triggers appendix inflammation, how big a ‘normal’ appendix is, or how modern surgical techniques allow for faster recovery and smaller incisions.
What a ‘12 mm diameter appendix’ indicates medically
Dr Prashanth B Gandhi, medical gastroenterologist, Pranushre Gastro Clinic, RR Nagar, tells indianexpress.com, “From a medical perspective, a normal appendix usually measures up to 6 mm in diameter. An appendiceal diameter of 12 mm on imaging is clearly abnormal. It is highly suggestive of acute appendicitis, most commonly due to luminal obstruction with associated inflammation, oedema, and intraluminal fluid or pus. As the appendix becomes distended, intraluminal pressure rises, which can impair venous and arterial blood flow and increase the likelihood of ischemia and perforation.”
He adds that although appendix size alone does not predict rupture, “a markedly enlarged appendix, particularly when accompanied by other inflammatory features, represents a significant warning sign and generally warrants urgent surgical evaluation to prevent complications such as perforation, localised abscess, or generalised peritonitis.”
After an appendectomy, what are realistic timelines and precautions for returning to regular routines?
According to Dr Gandhi, recovery after an appendectomy “depends on whether the surgery was uncomplicated or performed after complications such as perforation or infection.” In uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy, he notes, most patients can resume light daily activities, such as walking and self-care, within a few days. Return to desk-based or light work is usually possible within one to two weeks.
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He states that travel is generally safe after about 1 week, provided pain is well-controlled, mobility is comfortable, and there are no postoperative concerns, such as fever or wound issues. Strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and high-intensity exercise should be avoided for approximately three to four weeks to allow adequate internal healing.
“During recovery, patients are advised to gradually increase activity based on comfort, maintain good hydration and nutrition, follow post-operative dietary and wound-care instructions, and avoid straining. Medical review should be sought promptly if there is fever, increasing abdominal pain, wound redness or discharge, persistent vomiting, or new digestive symptoms during the recovery period,” mentions Dr Gandhi.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
