Appendix

One of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. is an appendectomy. This is when the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, is removed. This procedure is done to treat appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed.

Most of the time, a general surgeon will remove the appendix with advanced laparoscopic surgery immediately after the patient is diagnosed with appendicitis.

If you have severe abdominal pain that has become worse in the past 12 to 24 hours, call 911 or come to St. Luke’s Emergency Department.