Appendectomy is the removal of the inflamed appendix.

In an open,
conventional, and uncomplicated appendectomy, the surgeon removes the
appendix through an incision approximately 3 inches long in the right lower
quadrant. The incision is larger if the appendix is in a typical position or if
peritonitis is present.

Acute appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, the narrow, fingershaped organ that branches off the first part of the large intestine on the
right side of the abdomen. Although the appendix is a vestigial organ with no
known function, it can become diseased. In fact, acute appendicitis is the
most common reason for abdominal surgery in the world.

If it is not treated promptly, there is the chance that the inflamed appendix
will burst, spilling fecal material into the abdominal cavity. The usual result is
a potentially life-threatening infection (peritonitis), but the infection may
become sealed off and form an abscess.
Appendicitis is uncommon among older people, and symptoms are generally
mild, so that diagnosis of the acute episode is often not made. Members of
this age group are thus at greater risk for rupture with peritonitis or abscess
formation.
What Causes Acute Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, although the
reason the appendix becomes infected is unknown.
The appendix may become obstructed by a lump of feces, calcium
salts, and fecal debris (called fecaliths) or tumors (rarely), leading to
inflammation and infection.
Swelling and inflammation lead to infection, blood clot, or rupture of
the appendix.

Lymphoid hyperplasia is associated with inflammatory and infectious

disorders such as Crohn disease, measles, amebiasis, gastroenteritis,
respiratory infections, and mononucleosis.
Symptoms of Acute Appendicitis
In very young children or people over age 65, symptoms of acute
appendicitis may be deceptively mild. Otherwise, symptoms can vary widely
and may include the following:
Vague discomfort or tenderness near the navel (early in an attack),
migrating to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen
Sharp, localized, persistent pain within a few hours
Pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, coughing, sneezing,
walking or being touched
Constipation and inability to pass gas, possibly alternating with
diarrhea
Low fever (below 102F). A high fever (possibly accompanied by chills)
may indicate an abscessed appendix
Rapid heartbeat
Abdominal swelling (in late stages)
Abrupt cessation of abdominal pain after other symptoms occur,
indicating the appendix has burstan emergency
Nausea and vomiting (in some cases)