Inflammation of the appendix is one of the most common surgical problems. The appendix is a small hollow worm like structure composed of a lot of lymphoid tissue that plays some role in the defense mechanisms of the gastro-intestinal tract. In humans, it does not have any significant function and its swelling due to any cause, can progress to perforation and sometimes a generalized severe abdominal infection (peritonitis).
It is advised to have any inflamed appendix excised early surgically. It is one of the common laparoscopic procedures that are done world wide. The advantage of laparoscopy is being able to visualize the entire abdomen and find any other cause for the abdominal pain especially when the appendix is not found to be the culprit for the pain. This can happen in up to 15% of cases diagnosed as appendicitis.