Removal of appendix

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ extending from the first part of the large intestine. It is removed when it becomes inflamed or infected. A perforated appendix can leak and infect the entire abdominal area, which can be life-threatening. An appendectomy is done under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and do not feel any pain during the surgery. The surgeon makes a small cut in the lower right side of your belly area and removes the appendix.