When is surgery needed for an appendicolith?

appendicitis: Appendicolith is a a calcified deposit within the appendix. In the past, appendectomy was recommended for such patients, however more recently, prophylactic appendectomy has been controversial, in one study, most asymptomatic children did not develop appendicitis. One would consider that appendicoliths may be a risk markers for appendicitis but does not necessarily warrant prophylactic removal.