Appendectomy

What is the appendix?

The appendix is a small sac that typically sits in the lower right abdomen. It has no known purpose.

What is appendicitis?

If the appendix gets blocked, it can get inflamed. This is called appendicitis. If the appendix bursts and spreads infection inside the body, it can be a serious problem. In this case, you will need to go to the Emergency Room.

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. Most people who get appendicitis are young, but it can happen to anyone. You may not even know you have it until the pain becomes severe.

Why does the appendix need to be removed?

An inflamed appendix needs to be removed with surgery. This is called an appendectomy. When possible, this is done before it bursts.

If the appendix isn't removed in time, the infection can cause death. That's why the surgery is almost always done as an emergency.

How is the appendix removed?

There are several ways to remove the appendix. Most surgeons like to operate using laparoscopy (inserting a fiber-optic scope through a small cut). This allows faster recovery and little scarring. Laparoscopy is used only if the appendix hasn't burst.

If the appendix does burst, traditional surgery is done. You may end up with a scar several inches long.

If the appendix bursts during surgery, laparoscopy can change quickly to traditional surgery.

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery can take less than an hour. Usually, general anesthesia is used. You won't remember anything from the surgery and you'll wake up in the recovery area.

You will go home after one or two days if there are no serious problems. If the appendix bursts, you will stay in the hospital longer to get special medications. Also, if you have traditional surgery, the scar will take longer to heal.

What are the risks of surgery?

Serious complications are rare. Appendectomy is one of the most common operations. Bleeding and infection are possible at the incision and there is a very small risk of injuring other internal organs. Other risks, including death, are very rare.

If the appendix bursts, the surgery becomes more complicated. Treating the infection can be difficult, but effective medications are available.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency, so make sure you know the signs and symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Sources:

American College of Surgeons

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.