Appendicitis is inflammation and infection of the appendix. The appendix is a worm shaped gland that is an outpouching on the colon. The appendix normally lies in the lower part of the right side of the abdomen. After a period of time of infection of the appendix it will often rupture or perforate. This causes a worse infection inside the abdomen and may lead to one or many abscesses. The diagnosis of appendicitis is usually made by a history of pain low in the right side of the abdomen. The patient is tender over the appendix or may be tender throughout the abdomen if the appendix is ruptured. Lab tests and X-rays or ultrasounds may be helpful in some cases of appendicitis but are not always needed.

Indications: The indications for appendectomy is the suspicion of appendicitis. Most surgeons feel it is safer to remove a normal appendix(about 10-15% of the time) than to let a patient with appendicitis develop a perforation by watching to see if it really is appendicitis.

Description of the operation: Once the child is asleep(general anesthesia) the appendix may be removed through a small incision in the right lower side of the abdomen. Laparoscopic appendectomy is an alternative to this procedure and requires three small incisions to place the camera and instruments.

Expectations after surgery: If the appendix is not ruptured the child will fairly quickly return to drinking liquids and may be discharged from the hospital in 1-2 days. However, if the child has a perforated appendix then antibiotics will be required for 5-10 days after the operation. With perforated appendicitis the risk of infection inside the abdomen (abscess) is in the range of 10-15%.

Convalescence: Following the procedure the child may take a bath in 3 days if the wound is closed. The child may return to full activity in 6 weeks.