MIP is used to perform more than 200,000 appendectomies yearly.¹

MIP uses state-of-the-art technology to remove the appendix. When performing an MIP, the surgeon creates small, dime-sized incisions that allow the use of a miniature camera, or videoscope, and specialized instruments to perform the procedure—avoiding a larger, conventional incision.

Recovery time with MIP is shorter than with conventional surgery; patients experience less pain and scarring, and can generally leave the hospital and get back to the things that are important to them sooner.

Your appendix is a tube-like structure attached to the first part of your large intestine. Appendicitis occurs if the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture or leak, and cause a serious infection. The standard treatment is to have the appendix removed.

During a conventional appendectomy, an incision is made in the lower right side of the abdomen, through the skin, muscle, and an enclosing, protective layer of tissue in the abdomen called the peritoneum. This incision is usually two to three inches long and is held open so the surgeon can view the abdomen during the surgery. The appendix is isolated and separated from the large intestine.  After the appendix is removed, the incision is then closed with sutures and/or surgical staples.  Click here to watch animated versions of open and minimally invasive appendix surgeries.

Today, more and more people are having their appendix removed with MIP, also known as laparoscopic surgery, which utilizes three or four dime-sized incisions instead of one larger incision. Using a videoscope (a miniature camera) that is inserted into one of the incisions, the surgeon views the appendix and surrounding area through a magnified image on a video monitor in the operating room. The surgeon then removes the appendix using long-handled instruments that are inserted in the other small incisions. Each of the dime-sized incisions is then closed with a few stitches. No surgical staples are required.  Click here to watch animated versions of open and minimally invasive appendix surgeries.

Having your appendix removed (an appendectomy) is generally considered to be a low-risk surgical procedure associated with few complications and a short hospital stay.^2,3

When compared to conventional surgery, the benefits of MIP for appendectomy are significant:

• Less Recovery Time
• Less Time in Hospital—MIP appendectomy patients may be able to leave the hospital nearly 24 hours sooner than conventional appendectomy patients²
• Less Scarring
• Less pain

If you have your appendix removed via MIP, there is no need for a large, conventional incision. Instead, three or four small dime-sized incisions are made in the abdomen and a videoscope is inserted through one of these incisions.  

Are you a candidate for MIP for appendectomy? Here are some tips to help you talk with your doctor.

As with any surgery, MIP for appendectomy is associated with some risks and complications.