Appendix Surgery

Appendix surgery, or appendectomy, involves removing the appendix, a small, tube-like organ attached to the large intestine whose exact function remains unclear, though it's believed to play a role in gut immunity. Surgery is typically required for appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and infected, leading to symptoms like sharp abdominal pain (usually starting around the navel and shifting to the lower right side), fever, nausea, and vomiting. Left untreated, appendicitis can lead to a ruptured appendix, which is life-threatening. Using the minimally invasive DaVinci XI surgical system, surgeons can remove the appendix through small incisions with enhanced precision, reducing the risk of complications, minimizing scarring, and often making the procedure suitable for outpatient surgery. This approach typically results in less postoperative pain, a quicker recovery, and a faster return to normal activities, often allowing patients to go home the same day.