The appendix is a small, tubular structure that arises from the right side of your large intestine. It has no known function. Inflammation of the appendix results in a disease known as “appendicitis”. People with appendicitis typically experience fevers, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Appendicitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in adults. If the condition is not treated, the appendix could rupture, resulting in an abscess. A ruptured appendix can cause peritonitis and severe illness
Appendicitis is typically treated with emergency surgery to remove the appendix. Most commonly, the operation is performed with a minimally invasive approach using three small, sub-centimeter incisions. The operation typically takes one hour and most patients are discharged home within 24 hours. Patients who are found to have more severe inflammation and infection may require several days in the hospital so that they may receive intravenous antibiotics.
