Appendectomy (Removal of the Appendix)
Topic | Content |
Procedure definition | An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. The appendix has no vital function, but when it becomes inflamed or infected—a condition called appendicitis—it can rupture and cause serious infection inside the belly. Most appendectomies today are performed laparoscopically, meaning the surgeon makes three small incisions, inserts a camera and instruments, and removes the appendix without a large cut. The camera gives a clear view of the abdomen, allowing a safe and quick operation that typically takes 30–60 minutes. In some cases, especially when the appendix has already ruptured, when infection has spread widely, or when scar tissue or anatomy makes it difficult to see, the surgeon may perform an open appendectomy through a single incision of about 2–4 inches in the lower right abdomen. Open surgery is also used for certain pregnant patients or when laparoscopic tools aren’t available. Both approaches are effective, but laparoscopic surgery generally leads to less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery. |
Why it’s done | The main reason for surgery is acute appendicitis, an infection caused by blockage of the appendix opening—usually by hardened stool, swollen lymph tissue, or occasionally a foreign body. Symptoms often include sudden abdominal pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the right side, along with nausea, fever, or loss of appetite. If untreated, the appendix can burst (perforate), spilling infection into the abdominal cavity and leading to peritonitis, which can be life-threatening. For this reason, appendicitis is considered a surgical emergency. In select mild cases detected early, some hospitals offer antibiotics-only treatment, which can resolve symptoms temporarily. However, studies show that 25–40% of these patients eventually need surgery later, so appendectomy remains the definitive treatment. Chronic or “smoldering” appendicitis (recurrent mild pain episodes) and incidental discovery of appendiceal tumors are less common reasons for removal. |
Risks & complications | Appendectomy is one of the most common and safest emergency operations, but all surgeries carry some risks. Overall complication rates: Specific risks include: Most complications are treatable with antibiotics, drainage, or additional minor procedures. Because appendicitis often affects younger patients, outcomes are generally excellent when surgery is performed promptly. |
Recovery | Hospital stay: Activity: Diet: Wound care: Pain control: Follow-up: |
Surgeon types | Appendectomy is performed by General Surgeons, often on call for emergency cases. They are trained in both laparoscopic and open techniques. In children, the operation is performed by Pediatric Surgeons using smaller instruments. In very complex cases—such as abscesses extending into other organs—interventional radiologists may first drain infection before the surgeon removes the appendix later (“interval appendectomy”). Outcomes are better in hospitals where surgeons perform appendectomies frequently; higher volume correlates with lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays. |
Representative citations | 1. American College of Surgeons (ACS): “Appendectomy—Patient Education.” |