Appendix where is it located

This procedure is known as an appendicectomy or appendectomy. The appendix can often be removed using laparoscopic keyhole surgery.

The surgeon will use a slender instrument laparoscope , which is inserted through tiny incisions cuts in the abdomen. This eliminates the need for an abdominal incision.

If this is not possible, a small incision is made in the lower abdomen. The appendix is cut away and the wound on the large intestine stitched. If the appendix has burst, the surgeon will insert a tube and drain the abdominal cavity of pus. Antibiotics are given to the patient intravenously to reduce the possibility of peritonitis.

The typical hospital stay for an appendicectomy is between three and five days. Removing the appendix appears to have no effect on the workings of the digestive system, in either the short or long term. An alternative to surgery is antibiotic therapy. Studies that have compared the outcome of surgery to the outcome of antibiotics show that about 70 per cent of cases may resolve with antibiotic therapy and not require surgery.

However, the factors leading to failure of antibiotic therapy are not known, so antibiotic therapy alone is usually reserved for patients too frail to undergo surgery. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly. Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment.

Around half of cases of anal fissures heal by themselves with proper self-care and avoidance of constipation. As a result, you may feel sick to your stomach, or unable to keep anything down soon after you feel abdominal pain, or even before. Conversely, appendicitis may cause severe diarrhea and severe abdominal cramping.

A fever is a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. If you have abdominal pain, nausea, or other symptoms, accompanied by a low-grade fever, it may be a sign that your appendix requires medical attention. If your appendix ruptures, your fever may elevate to a higher temperature. In some cases, appendicitis can mimic the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and you may experience painful urination or difficulty passing urine. If you have these symptoms along with any of the other ones listed above, it could be an appendix problem, rather than a bladder issue.

If you have any combination of the symptoms of appendicitis, seek immediate medical attention. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to your treatment. A burst appendix can cause peritonitis , which is a serious infection of the inner lining of the abdomen. Find out more about the complications of appendicitis.

Page last reviewed: 18 February Next review due: 18 February Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may make the pain worse. Accessed May 4, Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix.

American College of Surgeons. Martin RF. Acute appendicitis in adults: Clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis. Smink D, et al. Management of acute appendicitis in adults. Related Appendicitis. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.