The appendix is a tube-like structure three to six inches long that is attached to the first part of the large intestine, also called the colon. It's located in the lower right part of the abdomen and serves no known purpose.

Sometimes the appendix can become inflamed or infected. This is called appendicitis. The only known treatment for appendicitis is the removal of the appendix. If an inflamed appendix is not removed, it can leak or burst—causing serious infection in the abdomen.

One treatment for appendicitis is minimally invasive procedure (MIP) for appendectomy. Learn about the Benefits of MIP for Appendectomy.

There’s no known way to prevent appendicitis. Anyone can get it, but it occurs more often between the ages of 10 and 30. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix gets blocked, leading to inflammation.  Talk to your doctor immediately if you think you may have an inflamed appendix.

Symptoms of appendicitis may include pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button and then moving to the lower right; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting constipation or diarrhea; inability to pass gas; low fever that begins after other symptoms; and abdominal swelling. Not everyone with appendicitis experiences all of these symptoms. Some patients may have only a slight fever and mild abdominal pain on the right side. If you think you may have appendicitis, talk to your doctor immediately.

MIP appendectomies have significant benefits over conventional surgeries. These benefits include a quicker recovery time; a shorter hospital stay so you can get back to your life quicker; and less pain and scarring.  More information about the benefits of MIP for appendectomy is provided here.

To learn about the risks and complications associated with MIP for appendectomy, as well as with conventional surgery in general, click here.

Do you need your to have appendix removed? Find a surgeon who can perform MIP for appendectomy.