What is the name of the surgery to remove the appendix?

The surgery to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy.

The appendix is a narrow, finger-shaped pouch attached to the cecum, the first part of the large intestine. An appendectomy is most commonly performed when inflammation causes appendicitis, particularly when the appendix is at risk of rupturing and spreading infection through the abdomen.

Surgeons can perform the operation through an open incision or laparoscopically, using a camera and small instruments inserted through several small cuts. Laparoscopic surgery generally leaves smaller scars and often allows a quicker recovery. The first recorded successful appendectomy took place in 1731, while laparoscopic appendectomy was introduced in the late 20th century.

A common mix-up is confusing an appendectomy with a colectomy, which removes part or all of the colon, or a cholecystectomy, which removes the gallbladder. The British spelling, appendicectomy, refers to the same operation. In selected cases of uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics may be considered, but surgery remains an important treatment, especially when perforation is suspected.