The appendix is a small, finger- pouch of intestinal tissue located between the small intestine and large intestine. If the appendix becomes infected, it must be surgically removed before a hole develops in the appendix and spreads the infection to the entire abdominal space.
Symptoms of acute appendicitis include:
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abdominal pain (located in the lower right side)
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fever (elevated temperature)
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reduced appetite (anorexia)
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nausea; vomiting
Surgery
An appendectomy is done while the patient is in a deep sleep and pain-free using general anesthesia. 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 will be left in to help drain out fluids. The surgery may also be performed using minimally-invasive techniques.
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.
