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Overview

Appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. The standard method is an open appendectomy. A newer, less invasive method is a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A laparoscopic surgery, also known as “minimally invasive surgery” or “keyhole surgery”, is a procedure wherein instead of one large incision, a few small incisions are made through which a laparoscope and the instruments for performing the surgery are inserted. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera attached in the front. Abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas, so that internal organs can be visualised easily through the camera.

• The laparoscope is put in and the appendix is located.

• Appendix is tied off with stitches and removed through an incision.

• When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools are removed. A small tube might be placed in the cut to drain out fluids.

Open appendectomy: In open surgery, a single larger cut is made in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen.An open appendectomy might be required instead of a laparoscopic appendectomy because of:

• Past abdominal surgery

• Ruptured appendix

• Appendicular mass