Forsyth Medical Center 
Appendix
Appendectomy
| An appendectomy is the surgical removal of an appendix. |
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Symptoms of acute appendicitis include:
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Surgery
An appendectomy is performed using general anesthesia, so the patient is in a deep sleep and pain-free. A small incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen and the appendix is removed. If a pocket of infection 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 fluids.
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Do you have questions about appendicitis? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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Recovery
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. Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.
