Generality: Inflammation of the appendix (a small finger-like organ in the right lower abdomen) or appendicitis can cause severe pain and if left untreated can produce grave sickness. Read more about appendicitis and its surgical treatment. The diagnosis can be tricky because there is no full-proof test; however, recently the literature has been reporting very good diagnostic results with the use of the abdominal CT (computerized tomografy) of the abdomen.
Anesthesia: Always general (you will be fully asleep).
Type of Procedure: The standard (open) appendectomy is done by making an incision in the right lower abdomen. More recently, the procedure is done via laparoscopy. Three small incisions are made in the skin and with the use of fine instruments the appendix is removed.
Recovery Time: After the standard appendectomy, regular activities can be resumed in one week to ten days. Recovery after the laparoscopic appendectomy is much faster, usually two to three days. The recovery time is greatly prolonged is the appendix is ruptured.
Postoperative Pain: Moderate after an open appendectomy; minimal to very light after the laparoscopic appendectomy.