Appendix
The appendix is an organ connected to the first portion of the large intestine, usually located in the lower, right side of the abdomen. The appendix has secretions which normally flow into the large intestine, but if the appendix becomes inflamed (appendicitis), the appendix begins to swell, and can even rupture. Appropriate treatment of appendicitis requires removal of the inflamed appendix in most cases. There are also other benign and even malignant diseases of the appendix which necessitate removal of the appendix.
Removing the appendix is called an appendectomy. Most often the appendix is removed through a laparoscopic approach, which utilizes smaller incisions, thus causing less pain and allowing a faster recovery. Collectively, the surgeons of Loveland Surgical Associates perform this operation on a regular basis.
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