Appendectomy

Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the vermiform appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. It is a common procedure most often performed as an emergency treatment. In most cases, an appendectomy is performed to relieve symptoms of appendicitis, a condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the appendix. The appendix has no known function in humans and can be removed without endangering a patient’s health. Appendectomy prevents the spread of infection and is essential for a patient’s recovery. The procedure has been performed for over a century, and is considered to be one of the most common surgical operations.