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Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a tube about six inches long that branches off the large intestine. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ that comes out from the first part of the large intestine. It is removed when it becomes swollen (inflamed) or infected. An appendix that has a hole in it (perforated) can leak and infect the entire abdomen area, which can be life-threatening. Click here to view image - Appendectomy Acute appendicitis is the most common condition of the abdomen to require emergency surgery. Usually the patients complain of acute abdominal pain passing through the umbilicus. One out of every 2,000 people get an appendectomy done during their lifetime. Because of the likelihood of the appendix rupturing and causing a severe, life-threatening infection, the usual recommendation is that the appendix be removed as soon as possible. ProcedureSurgery to remove the appendix can be done one of two ways-laparoscopic or traditional. Experts do not agree on which surgery is best. It often depends on what your surgeon prefers. Laparoscopic surgery uses three or four small cuts or incisions, and traditional appendectomy uses one larger Click here to view image - Appendectomy Procedure In laparoscopic appendectomy a small incision is made for insertion of the laparoscope. Additional incisions may be made so that other instruments can be used during the procedure. Carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdomen to inflate the abdominal cavity so that the appendix and other structures can be easily visualized. The laparoscope is inserted and the appendix located. The appendix is tied off with sutures and removed. When the procedure is complete, the laparoscope is removed. Patients who have the appendix removed through small surgical cuts tend to recover and get back to their daily activities faster. Appendectomy at Nova Specialty SurgeryAppendectomy is performed by expert surgeons at the following Nova Specialty Surgery Centers. Click on the location to make an appointment. |
