Appendix Removal Surgery is more commonly known as an Appendectomy. This surgery is a form of treatment for appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small elongated sac attached to the large intestine. If it becomes infected, it can lead to peritonitis and the infection can leak and spread throughout the abdomen. If an appendectomy is not performed during appendicitis, the appendix could burst causing severe infection or even death.http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002921.htm

An appendix can be removed through an incision on the right side of the abdomen or with smaller incisions and a camera in what is called a laparoscopic appendectomy. This option is less invasive and heals faster than a surgical appendectomy.http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002921.htm

The newer laparoscopic surgery is less likely to have complications and the healing time post-surgery is faster. If an abscess, or puss-filled bubble, is found during the appendectomy, a drainage tube will be placed through the wall of the abdomen. This allows the puss to drain as antibiotics are given. This tube can be left in place for 2 weeks or so. Once the infection is treated, the surgeon can then remove the appendix.http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/appendicitis/

Though appendicitis can strike at any age, it is most common between the ages of 10 and 30 years old.http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/appendicitis/ Symptoms of appendicitis can include pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. The pain of acute appendicitis may happen suddenly and persist, especially when moving, inhaling deeply, sneezing or coughing.http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/appendicitis/

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