Appendix removal is one of the most commonly performed emergency surgical procedures. Appendix removal surgery is usually performed with minimally invasive techniques, and the medical name for this procedure is “Laparoscopic Appendectomy.”

About the Appendix

The appendix is a small, narrow, finger-shaped pouch that rests projecting from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen.

Its true purpose in adults is largely unknown, though it may play a minor role in gut immunity during early childhood.

Removal of the appendix is not associated with any impairment of digestion, immune function, or overall health in most people.

What causes appendix problems?

Appendix problems are usually caused by a blockage in the lining of the appendix—often by hardened stool, swollen lymph nodes, or an infection—leading to a condition commonly known as appendicitis.

It is uncertain exactly why this blockage occurs in some people, but it can strike at any age. It is most common in individuals between the ages of 10 and 30, and some people may have a family history of appendicitis.

There is no known means to prevent appendicitis.

This blockage may cause bacteria to multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain (often starting near the navel and moving to the lower right side), vomiting, indigestion, and, occasionally, fever. If the swollen appendix is not treated promptly, it can rupture and cause a serious, potentially life-threatening infection in the abdomen.

How are these problems found and treated?

Physical examinations, blood tests, and an abdominal ultrasound are most commonly used to find appendicitis. In a few more complex cases, other imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI may be used to evaluate appendix disease and confirm the diagnosis.

Appendicitis does not go away on its own. Some mild, uncomplicated cases can be temporarily managed by administering strong antibiotics. However, this non-surgical treatment has a lower long-term success rate and a high risk of recurrence. Symptoms and the severe risk of rupture will eventually continue unless the appendix is removed.

Surgical removal of the appendix is the time-honored and safest treatment of appendicitis.