Surgery (Appendectomy)
Surgery to remove the appendix is the most common treatment for appendicitis. The surgery is called an appendectomy. It is the surgical removal of the appendix. During an appendectomy, the surgeon removes the appendix through a small incision in the abdomen. To remove the appendix, the surgeon makes a cut in the lower right side of your abdomen and takes out the appendix. The surgery usually takes about 1 hour. You may need hospital stay for a few days after surgery. Recovery from appendectomy usually occurs within 7 days. Some people may experience complications after appendectomy, such as an infection or abscess. (8)
There are many debates surrounding the effectiveness of appendectomy surgery. Some people argue that the surgery is not necessary, while others maintain that it is a life-saving procedure. According to a new study, appendectomies are not always necessary. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, looked at the medical records of nearly 15,000 patients who had their appendix removed. The findings showed that only about 1 in 4 of those patients actually needed the surgery.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Aaron Dawes, said that the findings challenge the current thinking on appendectomies. “Most people think that if you have an appendix attack, you need to have your appendix out,” he said. “But our study suggests that may not be the case for everyone.” Dr. Dawes said that more research is needed to determine which patients really need an appendectomy and which can safely avoid surgery.