Appendix

Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. It can occur when the opening of the appendix becomes blocked and inflammation or infection develops.

Pain may begin around the middle of the abdomen and later become more noticeable on the lower right side. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever can also occur.

Appendicitis should not be ignored because an inflamed appendix can sometimes become severely infected or rupture.

When surgery is required, laparoscopic appendectomy may be performed through small incisions. The exact treatment depends on the patient's condition and clinical findings.