Appendectomy

All appendectomies used to be performed through traditional “open” surgery, which requires a large incision. Today, new technologies enable surgeons to perform the same surgery using a minimally invasive approach (with small incisions), which may result in less pain and scarring, as well as faster recovery. This means you can return to normal activities sooner. To remove your appendix once it becomes inflamed or infected, doctors have two options:

In the open appendectomy, the surgeon:

• Makes an incision 2-3 inches long in the lower right side of your abdomen, through skin, muscle, and protective tissue.
• Isolates the appendix, separates it from the large intestine, and removes it.
• Closes the incision with sutures or surgical staples.

In a minimally invasive procedure for appendectomy, the surgeon:

• Makes three or four ¾-inch incisions instead of one larger incision.
• Inflates your abdomen with air or carbon dioxide.
• Inserts a miniature camera called a laparoscope into your abdomen through one of the incisions, and watches the images on a video monitor.
• Uses advanced, long-handled instruments inserted through the other incisions to detach and remove your appendix.
• Closes each small incision with sutures.

Minimally Invasive Approach

Today, minimally invasive procedures (MIP) for appendectomy have become fairly standard – about 80% of all appendectomies in the U.S. are performed using a minimally invasive approach.²¹

This procedure, known as laparoscopic surgery, requires three or four ¾-inch incisions instead of one larger incision. A miniature camera is inserted into one of the incisions, which allows the surgeon to view the area around the appendix as a magnified image on a video monitor. The surgeon removes the appendix using long-handled instruments that are inserted in the other small incisions. The incisions can then be closed with a few stitches.

The removal of an appendix (or appendectomy) is generally considered to be a low-risk surgical procedure associated with few complications and a short hospital stay.  A minimally invasive procedure isn’t right for everyone, depending on underlying medical conditions, prior surgery in or around the abdomen, and other factors. It’s a decision only you and your doctor can make based on what is best for your specific situation.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Appendectomy

An appendectomy performed using a minimally invasive approach is just as effective as open surgery, but may provide significant benefits, including:

• Less pain after surgery
• Less scarring
• Less recovery time
• A shorter hospital stay

Site References

Talking to your Surgeon about Minimally Invasive Appendectomy Surgery

Once you’re referred to a surgeon, ask questions. Learn as much as you can about your surgeon, the surgery, and your own condition. Here are a few questions to get the conversation started.

• Is minimally invasive surgery an option for my appendectomy?
• What are the benefits of a minimally invasive surgery for an appendectomy?
• What are the risks of an MIP for an appendectomy?
• How many appendectomy surgeries have you performed using MIP?
• How often do you have to switch from an MIP for an appendectomy to a conventional appendectomy during surgery?
• Does this seem like a routine appendectomy? Is there any reason to be concerned about particular complications that may arise during the surgery?
• Do my symptoms indicate that there’s a chance you may need to convert to a conventional appendectomy?
• How long will it take for me to recover from having my appendix removed? When will I be able to leave the hospital?
• When can I resume my normal activities, including school, work, exercise, sexual activity, and/or recreation after my appendix surgery?

Don’t like the answers you get? Consider getting a second opinion. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the treatment and the surgeon you’ve selected.

Finding a Surgeon

To locate a surgeon in your area experienced in minimally invasive appendectomies, use our Find a Physician tool.