Procedures guide

Appendectomy

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It is most often done to treat appendicitis.

Last updated 3 sources

At a Glance

  • An appendectomy removes the appendix, which is a small, finger-shaped pouch off the large intestine.
  • It is the most common treatment for appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
  • It is usually done laparoscopically (through small cuts with a camera) or as open surgery through one larger cut.
  • People live normal lives without an appendix.
  • Recovery time varies; it is generally shorter after laparoscopic surgery and longer if the appendix had burst.

What It Is

The appendix is a small tube-shaped pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine, in the lower right part of the abdomen. Its exact role is not fully understood, and removing it does not cause known long-term problems for most people.

An appendectomy is often done as urgent or emergency surgery because an inflamed appendix can burst (rupture). A burst appendix can spread infection inside the abdomen, which is a serious condition called peritonitis.

In some cases of uncomplicated appendicitis, doctors may discuss antibiotic treatment instead of or before surgery. The choice depends on many factors that are evaluated by the care team.

Common Terminology

Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, often causing pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen.
Laparoscopic surgery
Surgery done through several small cuts using a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) and narrow instruments. Sometimes called keyhole surgery.
Open appendectomy
Removal of the appendix through a single larger cut in the lower right abdomen.
Perforation (rupture)
A tear or burst in the wall of the appendix that lets infected material leak into the abdomen.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection; it is a serious condition.
Abscess
A pocket of pus that can form near the appendix, sometimes after it ruptures.
General anesthesia
Medicine that puts a person into a sleep-like state so they do not feel pain or remember the surgery.

Why It Is Done

An appendectomy is generally done for these reasons:

  • To treat acute appendicitis, the most common reason for the surgery.
  • To treat a ruptured (perforated) appendix and help clear infection from the abdomen.
  • Sometimes, after an abscess near the appendix has been drained and treated, the appendix may be removed at a later date (called an interval appendectomy).
  • Rarely, to remove a tumor found in the appendix.

How It Is Performed

This is a general description; the exact approach is chosen by the surgical team.

  • The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia.
  • In laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon makes a few small cuts, fills the abdomen with gas to create space, and uses a camera to guide the instruments.
  • In open appendectomy, the surgeon makes one cut, usually in the lower right abdomen, and removes the appendix directly.
  • A laparoscopic surgery may be changed to an open surgery during the operation if needed for safety or visibility.
  • If the appendix has burst, the surgeon may wash out the abdomen and sometimes leave a small drain to remove fluid.
  • The removed appendix is usually sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope.

Before the Procedure

Before surgery, the care team generally evaluates the situation with:

  • A physical exam and a review of symptoms and medical history.
  • Blood tests, such as a complete blood count, which can show signs of infection.
  • A urine test to look for other causes of abdominal pain, and a pregnancy test when relevant.
  • Imaging such as ultrasound or a CT scan to look at the appendix.
  • Instructions not to eat or drink before surgery; antibiotics given through a vein are also common.

Recovery Overview

Recovery differs from person to person. In general:

  • Many people go home within a day or so after uncomplicated laparoscopic surgery; hospital stays tend to be longer after a ruptured appendix.
  • Some pain, tiredness, and soreness around the cuts are common in the first days.
  • Shoulder pain can occur for a short time after laparoscopic surgery because of the gas used during the procedure.
  • Surgeons usually give guidance on wound care, activity, lifting, and returning to work or school.
  • A follow-up visit with the surgical team is often scheduled.

Risks and When Complications May Be Discussed

Like any surgery, an appendectomy has possible risks, which are generally discussed beforehand. They can include:

  • Wound infection or an infection inside the abdomen, including an abscess.
  • Bleeding.
  • Injury to nearby organs, such as the bowel or bladder, which is uncommon.
  • Reactions to anesthesia.
  • A hernia at the incision site later on.
  • Fever, worsening abdominal pain, redness or drainage from a wound, or ongoing vomiting after surgery are the kinds of problems surgical teams generally ask to be told about.

Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional

General questions people often find useful to bring to an appointment:

  • Is a laparoscopic or an open approach planned, and why?
  • Are there situations where antibiotics alone are considered instead of surgery?
  • How long is a hospital stay usually expected to be?
  • What does recovery generally look like, and when can normal activities resume?
  • What signs after surgery should be reported to the care team?
  • How is recovery different if the appendix has burst?

Sources

This guide was written in plain language from the following authoritative references.

  1. Appendectomy — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
  2. Appendicitis — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
  3. Appendicitis — NHS

Last updated October 8, 2026. FreeDoc guides are general educational information and are not a substitute for care from a qualified professional.