MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Appendectomy

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Appendectomy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Description	Indications Risks Expectations after surgery Convalescence

Illustrations

Anatomical landmarks, front view

Digestive system

Appendectomy - series

Alternative names Return to top

Appendix removal

Definition Return to top

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of an inflamed or infected appendix (appendicitis).

Description Return to top

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue extending from the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. Blockage of the opening of the appendix into the bowel by a hard small stool fragment (fecalith) is believed to be a frequent cause of appendicitis.

The infected appendix must be surgically removed (emergency appendectomy), because if it becomes perforated (leaks), this can lead to infection of the entire abdominal space (peritonitis), which can be fatal.

The surgery is done while the patient is unconscious and pain-free (using general anesthesia). A small incision is made in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and the appendix is removed. Alternatively, the appendix may be removed laparoscopically (with a smaller incision, using a tiny camera to visualize the area).

If a pocket of infection (abscess) has formed or the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery and a small tube may be left in to help drain out fluids or pus.

Indications Return to top

Appendix removal is necessary in cases of acute appendicitis. Symptoms of acute appendicitis include:

Abdominal pain (located in the lower right side)
Fever
Reduced appetite
Nausea, vomiting

Your health care provider will:

Check your abdomen for tenderness and tightness
Check your rectum for tenderness and an enlarged appendix
Check your blood for an increase in white blood cells (WBC)

Imaging studies will likely be used.

There is no test to confirm appendicitis, and the symptoms may be caused by other illnesses. The health care provider must diagnose the condition based on the information you report and what he or she finds from tests and physical examination.

Even if the surgeon finds that the appendix is not infected (which happens up to 25% of the time), he or she will thoroughly check the other abdominal organs and remove the appendix anyway in order to prevent future problems.

Risks Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

Bleeding
Infection

Additional risks for appendectomy that occurs with a ruptured appendix include the following:

Longer hospital stays
Antibiotic treatment

CAUTION:
Untreated acute appendicitis can be deadly. If you have symptoms suggestive of appendicitis (pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting)

DO seek emergency health care promptly (see your doctor immediately, call 911 or other local emergency number, or get to the emergency room).
DO NOT use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments.

Expectations after surgery Return to top

Recovery from a simple appendectomy is usually complete and rapid. If the appendix has developed an abscess or ruptured, the recovery will be slower and more complicated, requiring use of medications to treat the infection (antibiotics).

Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.

Convalescence Return to top

Convalescence is usually short and most patients leave the hospital in one to three days after the operation. Normal activities can be resumed within one to three weeks after leaving the hospital.

Update Date: 12/30/2002

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.