Appendix Surgery

The appendix is a tube-like organ which is a few centimeters long. It is attached to the beginning of your large intestine, or colon. This is usually below and to the right of your belly button.

Appendectomy is a type of surgery to remove the appendix. Removal of the appendix cures appendicitis. If appendicitis is untreated, it may rupture or burst open and cause very serious illness.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen
• Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen
• Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal bloating
• Flatulence

Advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy -

• Less pain after surgery
• A shorter time in the hospital
• Getting back to normal activity faster
• Having normal bowel movements sooner
• A smaller scar

Causes -

A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.