Appendectomy is surgery to remove an inflamed or infected appendix. Surgeons have been doing appendectomies for over a century. It’s still the definitive treatment for appendicitis. Today, surgeons can do open or laparoscopic appendectomy. Both methods have excellent success rates over 95%.
Because an inflamed appendix has the potential to rupture (burst), appendicitis is a medical emergency. On the other hand, a healthy appendix doesn’t appear to have any essential function. If you must have your appendix removed, you won’t miss it.
Why is appendectomy an emergency surgery?
Because it’s so small, your appendix swells quickly with inflammation and doesn’t take much to burst. A burst appendix can spread infection throughout your abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis (inflammation in your abdominal lining). If the infection spreads to your bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a serious, life-threatening condition. Your appendix can rupture within 36 hours of your first symptoms, so when you seek treatment, time is of the essence.