Kiran Rao, the renowned film director of ‘Laapataa Ladies’, recently found herself dealing with a medical issue at the start of the new year, just before the onset of 2026. She had appendix surgery performed on her at the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai because of the inflammation of the appendix, with a size of 12 mm in diameter. She has now recovered from the surgery and returned home, posting an ‘ignoring the drama of the situation’ post via Instagram. She wrote on her Instagram, “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.”
Kiran Rao’s experience
credit: Instagram
Kiran was preparing to ring in the New Year when abdominal pain prompted her to seek care for her appendix. She gave credit to her family members, including Aamir Khan, and her surgeon, Dr. Kayomarz Kapadia, who performed the successful laparoscopic surgery to remove the inflamed appendix via the 10.5mm catheter. Her posting described how her surgery was followed by her body having an unusual allergic reaction, with her lips swelling, which her friends joked about.
Causes of Appendicitis
Appendicitis arises when the appendix, a pouch resembling a tube that joins the large intestine, gets clogged with stool, infections, or inflammation. This gives rise to the accumulation of bacteria, resulting in inflammation and possible rupture. Although anybody may experience it, the danger and vulnerability occur between the ages of 10 and 30 years, although Kiran Rao’s condition proves that anyone at any age can experience this.
Keypoints to be aware of:
Pain may initially develop around the navel before moving to the lower right part of the abdomen, becoming more acute with exercise, coughing, or ambulation. Other symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low fever, constipation, and diarrhea. As directed by Cleveland Clinic, symptoms may differ, especially in cases of pediatric and pregnant patients, and require immediate attention for rapidly worsening pain.
Treatment process
The treatment of appendicitis involves doctors using antibiotics initially and performing laparoscopic appendectomy, the gold standard of surgery conducted using small-incision techniques. In the specific condition of Kiran Rao’s health, the minimally invasive procedure enabled the patient’s swift discharge and recovery. Mayo Clinic explains that surgery prevents the rupture of appendicitis from leading to a severe infection called peritonitis. Most patients are able to go home within 1 to 2 days following the procedure and are encouraged to resume activities soon, though lifting is avoided for several weeks.Energy levels may take 2 to 4 weeks to return, and hydration, high-fiber foods, and fever are factors.
Can this be prevented?
There are no foolproof measures, but an adequate fiber intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains prevents the risk of blockages, and exercise, hydration, and management of gastrointestinal issues ensure that the gut stays healthy, but Kiran Rao’s case also reminds one that one shouldn’t ignore the initial symptoms, which could be many times the exact opposite.
