Appendicitis

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Anatomical landmarks, front view

Appendectomy - series

Digestive system

For uncomplicated cases, a surgical procedure called an appendectomy is performed to remove the appendix soon after the diagnosis. An appendectomy can be done as an "open" procedure, where fairly large surgical cuts are made in your abdomen. The surgery can also be done as a laparoscopic procedure, which uses a camera and small incisions.

If the operation reveals that the appendix is normal, the surgeon will remove the appendix and explore the rest of the abdomen for other causes of your pain.

If a CT scan reveals an abscess from a ruptured appendix, the patient may be treated and the appendix removed later, after the infection and inflammation have gone away.

If your appendix is treated before it ruptures, you will probably recover rapidly from surgery. If your appendix ruptures before surgery, you will probably recover more slowly, and are more likely to develop an abscess.

• Peritonitis
• Abscess
• Fistulas
• Wound infection

Call your health care provider if you develop abdominal pain in the lower right portion of your belly, or any other symptoms of appendicitis.

Review Date: 11/14/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.