Appendicitis Treatment

Except for rare cases, acute appendicitis calls for urgent surgery.

Removal of the inflamed appendix can be performed laparoscopically or as in open surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon will resect the inflamed appendix and drain any abscess in the abdominal cavity.

Laparoscopic appendectomy

Laparoscopic appendectomy can be performed by making three small incisions in the tummy under general anesthesia. A port(nozzle) is inserted into one of the slits and carbon dioxide gas inflates the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to see the inflamed appendix more easily. A laparoscope which looks like a telescope with a light and a camera is then inserted through another port. Surgical instruments are placed in the other slits and are used by the surgeon to resect the appendix. The operative field is then washed thoroughly with warm saline, the abdomen is deflated and the skin incisions are closed with sutures. Sometimes the surgeon may start with a laparoscopic technique and may need to convert to an open technique. 

Laparoscopy is less invasive, less painful, has fewer complications and is associated with faster recovery and return to everyday life.

Laparoscopic appendectomy