Appendix Surgery (Appendicectomy)

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It usually starts as pain around the navel that moves to the lower right side of the abdomen, often with fever, nausea and loss of appetite.

Appendicitis is a surgical emergency. Removing the appendix (appendicectomy) prevents it from bursting and causing a serious abdominal infection. Our emergency team, surgeons and operation theatres are available round the clock.

• Pain in the lower right abdomen that is getting worse
• Fever, vomiting and loss of appetite with abdominal pain
• Appendicitis confirmed by examination, blood tests, ultrasound or CT scan

• Cures appendicitis and prevents rupture
• Keyhole surgery in most patients, with small scars and quick recovery
• You can live normally without an appendix

Before the procedure

You are assessed in the emergency department, given fluids and pain relief, and scans are done to confirm the diagnosis.

During the procedure

Under general anaesthesia, the appendix is removed, usually laparoscopically through small cuts. If the appendix has burst, the abdomen is also cleaned.

After the procedure

Most patients can eat and walk within a day and go home in one to three days. A longer stay and antibiotics may be needed if the appendix had burst.

Most people return to normal routine in one to two weeks.

• Avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks
• Take the full course of antibiotics if prescribed
• Seek help for fever, increasing pain or wound redness