Appendectomy

Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for appendicitis. It is a surgical procedure performed to remove the appendix, a small, finger-shaped sac extending from the first part of the larger intestine. If the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, it is removed because an infected appendix can leak and infect the entire abdominal area, which can be deadly.

An appendectomy is performed under general anesthesia. During an appendectomy, a small cut is made in the lower right side of your abdomen in order to remove the appendix. A minimally invasive alternative to traditional appendectomy is laparoscopic appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy is performed by making several small incisions and inserting a thin tube-like instrument known as a laparoscope.

How It’s Done

During a traditional appendectomy, an incision of two to three inches is made over the appendix. The surgeon then enters the abdomen and looks for the appendix, which is usually located in the lower right abdomen. The appendix is removed by freeing it from its mesenteric attachment to the abdomen and colon, cutting it off from the colon, and sewing a hole over the colon.

Why It’s Done

An emergency appendectomy is performed if symptoms of acute appendicitis appear. Symptoms of acute appendicitis include fever, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Acute appendicitis can be deadly.

There is actually no specific test that confirms the diagnosis of appendicitis. Appendicitis is diagnosed based on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of your physical exam and medical tests. Even when the appendix is not infected, an appendectomy may be performed to prevent problems from occurring in the future.

After Surgery

After an appendectomy, patients typically recover very quickly. They usually stay in the hospital for one to three days. Normal activity can be resumed within one to three weeks of the procedure. Living without an appendix causes no known complications.