Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the term referring to inflammation and infection of the appendix – the vestigial organ located in the right lower part of the abdomen. Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies, requiring removal of the appendix before it ruptures.

Appendectomy – the operation for removal of the appendix – is among the oldest operations in the history of modern surgery. Since the first description of the procedure in the late 19th century, appendectomy has been performed through an oblique incision in the right lower part of the abdomen.

With the introduction of laparoscopic approach, an alternate method for appendectomy was introduced. Laparoscopic appendectomy is now established as a potentially superior method for removal of an inflamed appendix. Using this approach, your surgeon has the ability to not only remove the appendix, but also inspect and cleanse the remainder of the abdominal cavity that might have been contaminated with infection.

Since the incision size is much smaller, laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with shorter recuperation time and lower risk of infection in the wound. Most patients return home within 24 hours of surgery and resume full activities within one week.