Answered on : 2024-01-24
An appendectomy is considered a surgical procedure to remove the appendix. There are two main types of appendectomy surgery:
1. **Open Appendectomy**: This is the standard method of removing the appendix. In an open appendectomy, a surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access and remove the inflamed appendix. It is a traditional surgical approach[1].
2. **Laparoscopic Appendectomy**: Also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery, laparoscopic appendectomy is a less invasive method. It involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and using a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to guide the removal of the appendix. This method typically results in smaller scars and a faster recovery time compared to open appendectomy[7].
In terms of urgency, an appendectomy can be considered either emergency or urgent surgery, especially when it is performed to treat acute appendicitis, which is an inflamed appendix. In such cases, it is crucial to remove the appendix promptly to prevent complications[2]3].