An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix. Appendectomy is the standard surgical treatment for appendicitis, a painful inflammation of the appendix. Because an inflamed appendix has the potential to rupture, appendicitis is considered a medical emergency. A ruptured appendix can be very dangerous. A healthy appendix, on the other hand, doesn’t appear to have any essential function in the digestive system. If you have to have your appendix removed, you won’t miss it.

Why is the appendix removed ?

In most cases, appendectomy is considered the safest treatment for appendicitis. There are a few exceptions — for example, some people might be unfit for surgery. Some people might respond to antibiotics alone if their appendicitis is uncomplicated and caught early enough. These people are at risk of recurrent appendicitis, however. Ultimately, the risk of rupture is much greater than the low risk associated with the surgery. If your appendix is inflamed enough to rupture, it’s safest to remove it.

Laparoscopic surgery offers a less-invasive alternative to open abdominal surgery by using several micro-incisions instead of one larger incision. Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with less pain and faster recovery time. The type of appendectomy you receive may depend on your condition as well as the training and judgment of your surgeon.