What is Appendectomy—Laparoscopic Surgery?

Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

An appendectomy is most often done as an emergency operation to treat appendicitis . Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It can be caused by an infection or obstruction.

Inflamed Appendix © 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an appendectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to other organs
• Reaction to anesthesia

Some risk factors that make complications more likely include:

• Appendix has ruptured
• Age: 65 or older
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Chronic lung or heart disease
• Pregnancy

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision sites
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe...