Appendectomy At A Glance

• The appendix is a small, worm-like appendage attached to the colon.
  
• Appendicitis occurs when bacteria invade and infect the wall of the appendix.
• The most common complications of appendicitis are abscess and peritonitis.
• The most common manifestations of appendicitis are pain, fever, and abdominal tenderness.
• Appendicitis usually is suspected on the basis of a patient's history and physical examination; however, a white blood cell count, urinalysis, abdominal x-ray, barium enema, ultrasonography, CT, and laparoscopy also may be helpful in diagnosis.
• Due to the varying size and location of the appendix and the proximity of other organs to the appendix, it may be difficult to differentiate appendicitis from other abdominal and pelvic diseases.
• The treatment for appendicitis usually is antibiotics and appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix).
• Complications of appendectomy include wound infection and abscess.