Appendectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the appendix, a small pouch located at the junction of the small and large intestines. Appendectomy is typically performed as an emergency procedure to treat appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix often caused by blockage or infection.

The surgery can be performed using either an open or laparoscopic approach:

Open Appendectomy: In this traditional approach, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower right abdomen to access and remove the appendix. This method allows for direct visualization of the appendix and is sometimes preferred in cases of complicated appendicitis or when laparoscopic equipment is not available.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: This minimally invasive approach involves making several small incisions in the abdomen through which a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon uses the laparoscope to visualize the internal organs and remove the appendix. Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to open surgery.