Definition of Appendectomy
Appendectomy: Removal by surgery of the appendix,
the small worm-like appendage of the colon (the large bowel). An
appendectomy is performed because of probable appendicitis,
inflammation of the wall of the appendix generally associated with
infection.
Appendicitis usually is suspected because of the medical history
and physical examination. The pain of developing appendicitis is at
first diffuse and poorly localized (not confined to one spot) but, as
the inflammation extends through the appendix to its outer covering
and then to the lining of the abdomen, the pain changes and becomes
localized to one small area between the front of the right hip bone
and the belly button. The exact point is named after Dr. Charles
McBurney - McBurney's point. If the appendix ruptures and infection
spreads throughout the abdomen, the pain becomes diffuse again as the
entire lining of the abdomen becomes inflamed. Ultrasonography and
computerized tomography also may be helpful in diagnosis.
Due to the varying size and location of the appendix and the
proximity of other organs to the appendix, it may be difficult to
differentiate appendicitis from other intra-abdominal diseases.
The treatment for appendicitis is antibiotics and
surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy). Complications of
appendectomy include wound infection, abscess, and obstruction of the
intestine.
The first successful appendectomy was done in Davenport, Iowa in
1885 by Dr. William West Grant. The patient was Mary Gartside, age
22.
Last Editorial Review: 1/8/1999
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