Appendectomy

What Is an Appendectomy?

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Most procedures use a laparoscopic technique (three small incisions with camera guidance), taking 30-60 minutes.

Open surgery through a 2-4 inch incision is used when complications exist, such as a ruptured appendix or significant infection.

Why It's Done

The main reason for surgery is acute appendicitis, an infection caused by blockage of the appendix opening.

Symptoms include sudden abdominal pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the right side, alongside nausea, fever, or appetite loss.

Without treatment, the appendix can rupture and cause life-threatening peritonitis.

Risks & Complications

Complication rates vary by condition severity:

• Uncomplicated appendicitis: 5-10% complication rate
• Perforated cases: 15-25% complication rate
• Major complications: 3-5%

Specific risks include:

• Wound infection (1-3% for laparoscopic)
• Abdominal abscess (1-3%)
• Bleeding, temporary bowel slowdown, bowel injury
• Conversion to open surgery (2-5%)
• Mortality: less than 0.1% in healthy adults

Recovery Timeline

• Hospital stay: Same-day discharge to one night for uncomplicated cases; 2-4 days for open/perforated procedures
• Light activity: Walking encouraged immediately
• Work/school: Return within 1-2 weeks
• Strenuous activities: 3-4 weeks
• Full recovery: Approximately one month

Surgeon Specialization

General Surgeons perform most appendectomies. Pediatric Surgeons handle children's cases.

Higher surgical volume correlates with better outcomes.