Appendectomy

What this procedure is

An appendectomy is a surgery to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It is located in the lower right side of your belly (abdomen). While the appendix is part of the digestive tract, the body can function perfectly well without it.

Your clinician may perform this surgery using one of two methods:

• Laparoscopic surgery: The surgeon makes a few small incisions (cuts) and uses a tiny camera and specialized tools to remove the appendix. This method often allows for a quicker recovery.
• Open surgery: The surgeon makes one larger incision in the lower right area of the abdomen to remove the appendix.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is the primary treatment for appendicitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the appendix. When the appendix becomes blocked or infected, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, the appendix may burst (rupture), which can spread infection throughout the abdomen.

Removing the appendix fixes the immediate infection and prevents future episodes of appendicitis. It is often done as an emergency to protect your health and prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

How common it is & where it's done

Appendectomy is one of the most common emergency surgeries performed today. Because appendicitis is a frequent medical issue, surgical teams are highly experienced in performing this procedure.

The surgery is done in a hospital operating room. Most patients stay in the hospital for a short time afterward so the medical team can monitor their recovery. In some cases, your clinician may determine that you can go home the same day, while others may need to stay for a day or more to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Recovery: What to Expect

After surgery, you will spend some time in a recovery room while the anesthesia (medicine that makes you sleep) wears off. Most patients can go home within a day or two. If your surgery was laparoscopic—meaning the surgeon used small cuts and a tiny camera—your recovery may be faster than with an open surgery that uses a larger cut.

Your clinician may suggest the following to help you heal:

• Gentle movement: Walking short distances soon after surgery helps prevent blood clots and aids digestion.
• Pain management: You may receive medicine to help with soreness. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your care team.
• Activity limits: You will likely need to avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for a few weeks to let the incisions (surgical cuts) heal properly.

Your care team will also guide you on when to start eating solid foods again. Most people start with liquids and slowly move back to their regular diet as they feel ready.

Risks & Possible Complications

While an appendectomy is a common and generally safe procedure, all surgeries carry some risks. Your surgical team takes many steps to prevent problems. Possible complications may include infection at the site of the cut, minor bleeding, or an abscess (a pocket of infection that forms near the area).

It is important to watch for signs that you may need extra care. Your clinician may ask you to call if you experience:

• A fever or chills.
• Redness, swelling, or fluid leaking from the surgical cuts.
• Pain that gets worse or does not go away with medicine.
• Nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking fluids.

These symptoms do not always mean there is a serious problem, but checking in with your medical team helps ensure you stay on the right track for healing.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The long-term outlook after an appendectomy is excellent. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine, and you can live a full, healthy life without it. There are typically no long-term changes to your diet or how your body digests food.

Most people return to their normal daily activities within two to four weeks. Your clinician will let you know when it is safe to return to work or school based on how well you are healing. Once you have recovered, you should not have any further issues related to your appendix. The goal of the surgery is to remove the source of pain and prevent future infections, allowing you to return to your usual lifestyle.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

Feeling nervous before or after surgery is a very common experience. It may help to know that an appendectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in the world. Your medical team is highly trained in this procedure and is there to support your safety and comfort throughout the process.

Do not hesitate to ask your clinician any questions you have about the surgery or your recovery. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more in control. Focus on resting and following your recovery plan, knowing that your body is designed to heal and that your care team is ready to help at every step.

Why doctors recommend it

The most common reason for this surgery is appendicitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the first part of your large intestine. When it becomes blocked or infected, it can swell and cause significant pain.

Your clinician may recommend an appendectomy because an inflamed appendix can potentially burst (rupture). If the appendix ruptures, it can spread bacteria throughout the abdomen. Removing the appendix is a standard way to stop the infection and prevent it from getting worse.

While the exact purpose of the appendix is not fully known, you can live a healthy life without it. Removing it does not typically cause any long-term changes to your digestion or health.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In most cases, an appendectomy is performed as an emergency surgery. Because symptoms often appear suddenly and the risk of the appendix bursting can increase over time, clinicians usually prefer to perform the procedure shortly after a diagnosis is made.

However, there are some situations where treatment might be different:

• Antibiotics first: For some patients with mild cases, a clinician might suggest using antibiotics as the first step. While this can sometimes avoid surgery, many people who use only antibiotics may still need an appendectomy later if the infection returns.
• Delayed surgery: If the appendix has already leaked and formed an abscess (a pocket of infection), your medical team might treat the infection with medicine and drainage first. They may then schedule a planned surgery several weeks later once the swelling has gone down.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of an appendectomy is to remove the source of infection before it causes more serious health problems. By removing the appendix, the care team stops the spread of bacteria within the body.

Another important goal is to prevent peritonitis. This is a serious condition where the lining of the abdomen becomes infected. Taking out the appendix early helps ensure the infection stays contained and is easier to treat.

Finally, the surgery aims to relieve your symptoms and help you get back to your daily routine. Most patients feel much better once the inflamed organ is removed, and the procedure allows for a focused recovery so you can return to your normal activities.

Who may benefit

An appendectomy is a common surgery to remove the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. This procedure is usually recommended for people with appendicitis, which is when the appendix becomes inflamed, swollen, or infected. Removing the appendix is often the most effective way to prevent the organ from bursting, which could cause a more serious infection in the abdomen.

Your clinician may suggest this surgery if you have symptoms like sharp pain that starts near your belly button and moves to your lower right side. Other signs include a loss of appetite, nausea, or a low-grade fever. Because appendicitis can progress quickly, surgery is often performed as an emergency to help you recover faster and avoid complications.

When it may not be the right option

While surgery is the standard treatment, it may not be the first choice for everyone. In some cases of uncomplicated appendicitis, your care team might suggest trying antibiotics first. This medicine-first approach can sometimes resolve the infection without the need for an operation, though there is a chance the appendicitis could return later.

If the appendix has already ruptured and created an abscess (a collection of pus), your doctor might decide to delay surgery. In this situation, they may use a tube to drain the infection and provide antibiotics to let the area heal. Surgery might then be scheduled for a few weeks later once the swelling has gone down. Additionally, if a patient has other very serious health problems, the risks of surgery might outweigh the benefits, leading the team to look at non-surgical options.

Questions to ask your care team

It is helpful to understand your options and what to expect during your recovery. You may want to bring a list of questions to discuss with your surgeon or medical team:

• Is my appendicitis considered uncomplicated, or has the appendix ruptured?
• Am I a candidate for laparoscopic surgery (using small incisions and a camera) or will I need an open procedure?
• What are the risks and benefits of using antibiotics instead of having surgery right away?
• How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
• When can I safely return to work, school, or my normal physical activities?
• What signs of infection should I look for during my recovery at home?

In the procedure room

When you enter the operating room, the surgical team will help you onto a comfortable table. This team usually includes your surgeon, an anesthesiologist (a doctor who manages sleep and pain), and several nurses. They will make sure you are positioned safely and comfortably.

The team will check your identification and the details of your surgery one last time. They will also clean the skin on your abdomen with a special soap to help prevent infection. You may feel a cool sensation during this cleaning process before you drift off to sleep.

High-level steps

Your surgeon may perform the surgery in one of two ways. The most common method is laparoscopic surgery. This involves making a few very small cuts (incisions) in your belly. The surgeon uses a tiny camera and special thin tools to see inside and remove the appendix.

In some cases, the surgeon may need to perform an open surgery. This involves making one larger cut on the lower right side of the belly. This method is often used if the appendix has burst or if there is a lot of scar tissue from previous surgeries.

• The surgeon finds the appendix, which is a small pouch attached to the large intestine.
• The appendix is carefully tied off and removed.
• If the appendix has burst, the surgeon will wash out the area with a sterile fluid to clean away any infection.
• The cuts are closed using stitches, staples, or surgical glue and covered with a bandage.

Anesthesia and pain control

An appendectomy is almost always done under general anesthesia. This means you will be in a deep sleep and will not feel any pain during the surgery. The medicine is usually given through an IV (a small tube in your vein) or through a mask.

While you are asleep, the team may place a breathing tube to help you breathe safely. Your clinician may also inject a numbing medicine around the incision sites. This helps keep you comfortable immediately after you wake up and reduces the amount of pain medicine you might need later.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority throughout the procedure. The surgical team uses advanced monitors to track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels every minute. This ensures your body is responding well to the anesthesia and the surgery.

The team also follows strict safety checklists. They perform a "time-out" to confirm the correct patient and procedure before starting. They also count all surgical tools and supplies before and after the procedure to ensure everything is accounted for. These steps are standard practice to keep the environment sterile and safe.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room. Nurses will watch you closely as the anesthesia wears off. You may feel groggy, confused, or even a little chilly as you wake up. Some people also notice a dry or scratchy throat if a breathing tube was used.

It is normal to feel some soreness or pressure in your belly. If you had laparoscopic surgery, you might feel some discomfort in your shoulders. This is caused by the air used to inflate the belly during surgery so the surgeon could see better; this feeling usually goes away within a day or two.

Typical procedure length

A typical appendectomy usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the total time can vary depending on your specific situation. For example, if the appendix has ruptured or if the surgeon finds other issues inside the abdomen, the procedure may take longer.

Your surgical team will keep your family or loved ones updated if the surgery takes more time than expected. Most patients are able to go home the same day or after a short stay in the hospital to ensure they can eat and drink normally.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Surgeons typically use one of two main techniques to remove the appendix. The method chosen often depends on the severity of the infection and your past medical history.

• Laparoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive approach. The surgeon makes a few small cuts (incisions) in the abdomen and inserts a thin tube with a tiny video camera, called a laparoscope. Special tools are used to remove the appendix through these small openings. This method generally results in less pain and a faster recovery time.
• Open surgery: The surgeon makes one larger incision, usually 2 to 4 inches long, on the lower right side of the belly. This allows the doctor to see and reach the appendix directly.

Your care team may recommend open surgery if the appendix has burst (ruptured) or if the infection has spread to the lining of the abdomen. It may also be necessary if you have scar tissue from previous surgeries. Sometimes, a surgeon may start with a laparoscopic approach but switch to open surgery if they need more space to perform the operation safely.

Partial vs total

The standard goal of this surgery is a total appendectomy, which means removing the entire appendix. By taking out the whole organ, the surgeon eliminates the risk of future appendicitis.

In rare cases, severe inflammation or swelling may make it difficult to see where the appendix connects to the colon. If removing the entire organ is considered unsafe or risks damaging the bowel, the surgeon may perform a partial removal. This involves leaving a very small piece of the appendix (a stump) behind. This is not a pre-planned option but a decision made during surgery to protect your safety.

Revision or repeat procedures

Because the appendix is usually removed completely, most patients do not need repeat surgeries for the organ itself. However, there are specific scenarios where additional procedures are discussed:

• Interval appendectomy: If you have a large abscess (a pocket of pus) or a mass surrounding the appendix, your clinician may treat you with antibiotics and drain the fluid first. They may delay the actual surgery for several weeks to let the inflammation go down before removing the appendix.
• Stump appendicitis: If a small piece of the appendix had to be left behind during a difficult initial surgery, that remaining tissue can rarely become infected later. This may require a second procedure to remove the remaining stump.
• Post-surgery complications: While not a repeat of the appendectomy itself, a follow-up procedure is sometimes needed to drain an infection or abscess that forms in the abdomen after the operation.

Tests and imaging that may be done

To confirm that you need surgery, your healthcare team will likely perform a physical exam. They may gently press on your abdomen to check for pain and tenderness. They will also ask about your health history and current symptoms.

Your clinician may order several tests to get a clearer picture of what is happening inside your body:

• Blood tests: These check for signs of infection, such as a high white blood cell count.
• Urine test: A sample of your urine (urinalysis) helps rule out other causes of pain, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones.
• Imaging scans: An abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to create images of your appendix and check for inflammation.
• Pregnancy test: For women of childbearing age, this is often done to ensure safety before surgery and anesthesia.

Medication adjustments

It is important to tell your healthcare team about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. You should also let them know if you have any allergies to medications, latex, tape, or anesthesia.

Your clinician will tell you which medicines to take and which ones to stop before your surgery.

• Blood thinners and aspirin: You may need to stop taking these temporarily to lower the risk of bleeding.
• Diabetes medications: Your dosage may need to be adjusted since you will not be eating before the procedure.
• Sedatives: You might be given a medicine to help you relax before going into the operating room.

Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Because appendectomy is often an emergency surgery, you may not have much time to prepare. However, your care team will guide you through the necessary steps to keep you safe.

Eating and drinkingYou will likely be asked not to eat or drink anything for a certain period before surgery, often at least 8 hours. This is called fasting. Having an empty stomach helps prevent complications, such as breathing in stomach contents, while you are under anesthesia.

Hygiene and preparation

• Showering: If there is time, you may be asked to shower with a special antibacterial soap.
• Shaving: Do not shave the area near the surgery site yourself. Tiny cuts can increase the risk of infection. If hair needs to be removed, the surgical team will do it for you.
• IV fluids: A small tube (IV) will be placed in a vein in your arm or hand. This delivers fluids and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Going homeYou will not be able to drive immediately after surgery due to the anesthesia and pain medication. Plan to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for the first night if possible.

General surgical risks

Appendectomy is a common and generally safe procedure. However, like all surgeries, it carries some standard risks. Your surgical team takes many precautions to keep you safe and monitor your health closely while you are in the hospital.

General risks associated with surgery and anesthesia include:

• Bleeding: While minor bleeding is controlled during surgery, heavier bleeding is a rare possibility.
• Infection at the incision: The area where the cut was made can sometimes become infected, causing redness or swelling.
• Blood clots: Lying still for long periods can increase the risk of clots forming in the legs.
• Reactions to anesthesia: Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or temporary breathing issues due to the medication used to put them to sleep.

Procedure-specific complications

There are also risks specific to removing the appendix. These complications are more likely if the appendix burst (ruptured) before the operation, spreading bacteria into the abdomen.

Possible complications include:

• Abscess: A pocket of infection (pus) may form inside the belly, especially after a rupture.
• Blocked bowels (ileus): The intestines may temporarily stop moving food and gas normally. This usually resolves as you recover.
• Injury to nearby organs: In rare cases, nearby structures like the bladder, intestines, or blood vessels may be damaged during the procedure.
• Adhesions: Over time, bands of scar tissue may form inside the abdomen, which can sometimes affect digestion later on.

How complications are treated

If a complication does occur, your care team has effective ways to manage it. Most issues are treated with medication or simple interventions rather than another major surgery.

• Antibiotics: These are commonly prescribed to treat skin infections or infections inside the abdomen.
• Drainage: If an abscess forms, doctors may place a small tube through the skin to drain the fluid safely.
• Movement and hydration: Walking soon after surgery helps prevent blood clots and encourages the bowels to start working again.
• Follow-up procedures: In very rare cases, a second operation may be needed to repair an injury or stop bleeding.

Pain control medicines

After an appendectomy, your care team will focus on keeping you comfortable so you can recover and begin moving again. Your clinician may use a combination of different medicines to manage pain, which is often called "multimodal" therapy. This approach helps provide relief while trying to limit side effects.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: These include acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. They help reduce swelling and soreness.
• Prescription medicines: For stronger pain, your clinician might prescribe opioid medications for a short time. These are used carefully because they can cause sleepiness or constipation.

Your clinician will tailor this plan based on your health history. It is important to share any allergies or other medications you take to avoid safety issues or drug interactions.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria. Most people receiving an appendectomy will get at least one dose of antibiotics through an IV (a thin tube in a vein) before the surgery starts. This helps lower the risk of an infection at the site of the operation.

If your appendix had a hole in it (ruptured) or if there was a pocket of infection, your clinician may have you continue taking antibiotics for several days after surgery. This can be done through the IV in the hospital or with pills once you go home.

Be sure to tell your medical team if you have ever had a reaction to antibiotics, such as a rash or trouble breathing. Completing the full course of these medicines as directed is a key part of a safe recovery.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

When you have surgery and spend more time resting in bed, your blood may move more slowly. This can sometimes lead to blood clots in the legs. To help prevent this, your clinician may use medications known as blood thinners or anticoagulants.

These medicines help keep the blood from sticking together too easily. They are often given as a small injection under the skin. Your care team will decide if these are right for you based on your specific risk factors and the type of surgery you had.

In addition to medicine, your team will likely encourage you to walk soon after surgery and may use special compression sleeves on your legs to keep blood moving. Always let your clinician know if you have a history of bleeding problems or if you are already taking any blood-thinning medications at home.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to act quickly if you have signs of a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fainting or passing out
• Severe abdominal pain that does not get better after taking your prescribed pain medicine

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection or if your recovery is not going as planned. Your care team will want to know if you have:

• Fever: A temperature higher than 101°F (38.3°C) or shaking chills.
• Incision issues: Increased redness, swelling, or the wound edges opening up.
• Drainage: Bleeding or bad-smelling fluid coming from the incision site.
• Digestive problems: Persistent nausea, vomiting, or the inability to drink liquids.
• Bathroom habits: Being unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement for several days.
• Pain: Pain that gets worse over time instead of better.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is normal to feel tired and sore as your body heals. Most people have some pain around the incision site. If you had laparoscopic surgery (using small cuts and a camera), you might also feel pain in your shoulder. This is caused by the gas used during surgery and usually goes away within a few days.

However, your symptoms should generally improve day by day. It is concerning if the skin around your incision feels hot to the touch, if you have a persistent cough, or if vomiting prevents you from keeping your medicine down. If you are unsure whether a symptom is normal, it is always safer to call your clinic for advice.

Non-surgical treatments

In some cases, your clinician may suggest treating appendicitis with antibiotics instead of surgery. This is usually an option only for "uncomplicated" appendicitis, which means the appendix has not burst or developed other major complications. Antibiotics are medicines that help your body fight the infection and reduce swelling in the appendix.

While many people recover using only antibiotics, there is a chance the infection could return later. Research suggests that while this approach works for many, about 3 in 10 people may still need surgery within a few months if the medicine does not fully clear the infection or if symptoms come back.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a period where your medical team closely monitors your symptoms and overall health. This is not simply ignoring the problem; it is a careful process used to see if the infection is improving or if more active treatment is needed. Your clinician may use repeat blood tests or imaging, like an ultrasound, to check your progress during this time.

This approach is sometimes used if you have an abscess, which is a pocket of infection that can form around the appendix. In this situation, your clinician might use a small tube to drain the fluid and provide antibiotics. They may then wait several weeks for the inflammation to go down before deciding if the appendix needs to be removed in a future procedure.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery is often considered the most reliable way to treat appendicitis and prevent it from happening again. Your clinician may recommend moving forward with an appendectomy if your pain gets worse, if you develop a high fever, or if imaging shows the appendix is at risk of bursting. If the appendix does rupture (burst), surgery is usually necessary to clean the area and prevent the infection from spreading throughout the abdomen.

Other reasons surgery might become the best choice include:

• The infection does not respond to initial antibiotic treatment.
• There are signs of a more severe blockage inside the appendix.
• You and your care team prefer a definitive treatment to avoid the risk of the appendicitis returning in the future.

Your clinician will help you weigh the benefits of each option based on your specific health needs and the severity of the infection.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

An appendectomy is a very common procedure. Most people receive care through a hospital’s Emergency Department. This is where clinicians first check for appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) using physical exams and imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan.

The surgery itself is performed by the General Surgery department. Depending on the hospital, you may be treated in a specialized Operating Room. If the patient is a child, the surgery may take place at a pediatric hospital where the staff is specifically trained to care for younger patients.

After the procedure, patients are usually moved to a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This is a recovery area where nurses monitor you closely as the anesthesia (medicine that puts you to sleep) wears off.

Patient resources and support services

Hospitals provide several resources to help you through the recovery process. Surgical coordinators or nursing staff often provide educational materials that explain how to care for your incision and what activities to avoid while you heal.

Support services may include:

• Pain Management Teams: Specialists who help ensure you are comfortable after surgery.
• Case Management: Staff members who help coordinate your discharge and ensure you have the supplies or home care you need.
• Nutrition Services: Dietitians who can advise you on what to eat as your digestive system returns to normal.

Many facilities also offer online patient portals. These allow you to view your lab results, message your surgical team, and schedule follow-up appointments easily from home.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Since many appendectomies are unplanned, you may not always have a choice of facility. However, if you are discussing options with your clinician, you might ask the following questions to help you feel more prepared:

• Does the hospital have a surgeon on-site 24 hours a day?
• Is the surgical team experienced in laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive method using small cuts and a camera)?
• What is the typical length of stay for this procedure at this facility?
• Does the hospital accept my insurance or offer financial counseling?
• Are there specialized recovery areas for children or seniors?

Choosing a facility that feels comfortable and has a clear plan for your recovery can help make the process smoother for you and your family.

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

The primary reason for an appendectomy is appendicitis, which is the inflammation or infection of the appendix (a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine). This condition is often considered a medical emergency because the appendix can burst if not treated quickly.

In some cases, a clinician may perform the surgery if the appendix has already ruptured or perforated. If an abscess (a pocket of infection) has formed around the appendix, your care team might drain the fluid first and perform the surgery later, or they may proceed with the appendectomy immediately depending on the situation.

While less common, an appendectomy may also be used to treat certain types of tumors or growths found in the appendix.

Related symptoms people search for

People often look for information about an appendectomy when they experience sudden pain in the abdomen. This pain frequently begins near the belly button and then shifts to the lower right side. The discomfort may get worse when coughing, walking, or making sudden movements.

Other common symptoms that can be associated with appendicitis include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• A low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses.
• Constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal bloating.

Because these symptoms can overlap with other digestive issues, it is important to have a clinician evaluate any severe or worsening abdominal pain to determine the cause.

Evidence overview

Appendectomy is the standard treatment for appendicitis and is one of the most common emergency surgeries performed worldwide. Medical research supports removing the inflamed appendix to prevent it from bursting, which can cause a serious infection throughout the abdomen.

Doctors have studied two main ways to perform this surgery:

• Laparoscopic surgery: This method uses small cuts and a tiny camera. Evidence suggests it often leads to less pain and a faster recovery for many patients.
• Open surgery: This uses one larger cut. It is often necessary if the appendix has already burst or if the infection is severe.

While recent studies have looked at treating mild appendicitis with antibiotics alone, surgery remains the most reliable way to ensure the condition is fully resolved and does not return.

Safety notes and individualized care

Appendectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, but all surgeries carry some risks. Your care team will take steps to lower the chance of complications. Possible risks include:

• Infection at the incision site or inside the belly (abscess)
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder or intestines
• Reactions to anesthesia

Your specific care plan will depend on your health history and whether your appendix has ruptured. If the appendix has burst, the surgeon may need to clean the abdominal cavity to treat the infection. Your clinician will discuss which surgical approach—laparoscopic or open—is safest for your specific situation.

Sources used

The information in this section is based on guidelines and research from major medical organizations and academic institutions. These include:

• The Mayo Clinic
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• The American College of Surgeons
• The National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)
• The New England Journal of Medicine