Appendicitis

Appendicectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix and is the most common general surgical procedure. The appendix can usually be removed by a keyhole operation using an optic camera through the stomach (laparoscopy).

Alternatively an open operation may be required to remove the appendix. Usually this involves a 3–6 cm horizontal incision is made in the lower part of the abdomen on the right side, through which the appendix is removed.