What it is?  
An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix in cases of appendicitis or its diseases.

Description   
             The appendix is a small, finger-shaped sac part of large intestine. It is removed when it becomes inflamed or infected. An infected appendix can leak and infect the entire abdominal area, which can be deadly.  An appendectomy is done under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and do not feel any pain during the surgery. The surgeon makes a small cut in the lower right side of your belly area and removes the appendix. The appendix can also be removed using minimally invasive techniques. This is called a laparoscopic appendectomy. It is performed with small incisions and a camera. If the appendix ruptured or a pocket of infection (abscess) formed, your abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery. A small tube may be left in the belly area to help drain out fluids or pus.
             The appendix produces a bacteria destroying protein called immunoglobulins which help fight infection in the body. Its function, however, is not essential. People who have had appendectomies do not have an increased risk toward infection. Other organs in the body take over this function once the appendix has been removed.

Normal anatomy

 

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue arising from the cecum near its junction with the small intestine.

Reason for Procedure
An emergency appendix removal will be needed if you have symptoms of sudden (acute) appendicitis. These symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain (located in the lower right side)
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

             If you have symptoms of appendicitis seek immediate emergency medical help. Untreated sudden (acute) appendicitis can be deadly. Do not use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments to try and relieve symptoms.
Your health care provider will examine your abdomen and rectum to check for a swollen appendix. Blood tests, including a white blood cell count (WBC), may be done to check for infection.
             There is no actual test to confirm appendicitis. It is important to understand that the symptoms may be caused by other illnesses. The health care provider will diagnose the condition based on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of the physical exam and medical tests.
The appendix may be removed even when it is not infected to prevent future problems.

Risks 
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks with an appendectomy with ruptured appendix include the following:

• Longer hospital stays
• Side effects from medications

Incision
             Depending upon the circumstances of the individual patient, an appendectomy can be performed in one of two ways, through an open incision or with a laparoscope.
In the open technique, an incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen, through the skin, muscle wall, and peritoneum. The appendix is located and then carefully freed from the surrounding structures and removed.
             In the laparoscopic technique, several small incisions are made in the abdomen. In one incision a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope has a tiny lens to which a TV camera is attached. The appendectomy is performed by the surgeon while looking at the TV monitor. Small instruments are inserted in the other incisions and used to remove the appendix.

Procedure              If a pocket of infection has formed, or the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery. The surgeon may then leave the skin open and allow it to heal together on its own, to allow the infection to drain, or less frequently, put in a small drainage tube.

After the Procedure   
             Patients tend to recover quickly after a simple appendectomy. Most patients leave the hospital in 1 - 3 days after the operation. Normal activities can be resumed within 1 - 3 weeks after leaving the hospital.
             Recovery is slower and more complicated if the appendix has ruptured or an abscess has formed.
Living without an appendix causes no known health problems.

Reference :   MedlinePlus