Recovery time from the lap appendectomy is short. A laparoscopic (lap-a-ro- SKOPP-ik) or “lap” appendectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the appendix through several small incisions, rather than through one large one. If it is not removed, it could burst and cause infection called peritonitis (per-i-toe-NY-tus ) in the abdomen. Appendectomy (app-pen-DECK-toe-me) is done as an emergency surgery for appendicitis because the appendix has become inflamed (swollen) and needs to be removed. It is connected to the large intestine, and has no function in humans.

The appendix (uh-PEN-dix) is a narrow, finger-shaped organ located in the lower right side of the belly. If there is infection from the appendix bursting, he or she will be in the hospital from 5 to 7 days.

Your child will most likely go home within 24 to 36 hours after the surgery.

Your child’s surgery will be done under general anesthesia (an-es-THEEZ-ya), which means that he or she will be asleep during the surgery.

Appendicitis must be treated with surgery right away if left untreated, the appendix could rupture (burst) and cause a life-threatening or fatal infection.

Appendectomy is an operation to remove the appendix when it has become inflamed an inflamed appendix is called appendicitis (uh-pen-di-SIGH-tus).

Fast Facts about Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Please read the following information to learn about his surgery and how you can help. At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this surgery and invite you to participate.

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