Incision and drainage of an appendiceal abscess or peritonitis (appendectomy)

An appendectomy is done as an open surgery using an abdominal incision about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long (laparotomy). It can also be done through several small abdominal incisions (laparoscopic surgery). During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon inserts special surgical instruments and a video camera into your abdomen to remove your appendix. If your appendix has burst and an abscess has formed around it, your doctor may drain it by inserting a tube through the skin into the abscess. An appendectomy can be done several weeks after the infection is completely controlled.