$Unique_ID{BRK00173}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Occurs During an Appendix Operation}
$Subject{appendix surgery surgeries special procedure procedures Digestive
System Operation operations peritonitis appendectomy appendicitis
appendectomies}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{
Appendicitis*0016300.tid
Anatomy of the Appendix*0016301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Occurs During an Appendix Operation


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QUESTION:  Please explain what goes on during an operation to remove the
appendix.

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ANSWER:  The appendix is a small, useless, dead-end tube near the start of the
large intestine.  An inflamed appendix must be removed or it ruptures and
infects the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis and possibly death.
     The surgeon makes an incision on the right side of the abdomen and ties
off the appendix (if it hasn't ruptured) before cutting it, to keep its
contents from spilling.  If everything goes well, the patient stays in the
hospital for a few days to a week and can resume normal activities in three to
six weeks.  If the appendix ruptures, strong antibiotics are used, and the
patient may need a drain inserted at the incision.  Hospitalization and
convalescence will be longer in such a case.
     Because a ruptured appendix is so serious, an appendectomy is performed
in almost all patients with symptoms of appendicitis.  About 10% of these
people will have a perfectly normal appendix, but it's better to remove a
healthy appendix then risk leaving a bad one in.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.