Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies, and laparoscopic appendectomy — removing the appendix through small keyhole incisions — has become the standard approach for most patients.

Getting to a diagnosis

Appendicitis usually presents as pain that starts near the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, often with fever, nausea, or loss of appetite. Diagnosis typically combines a physical examination with imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm inflammation of the appendix before proceeding to surgery.

What the procedure involves

Through two or three small incisions, a camera and specialised instruments are used to locate and remove the inflamed appendix. Because the incisions are small, patients generally experience less pain than with an open procedure and are often able to go home within a day or two.

Recovery and discharge

Most patients resume light activities within a week, with a gradual return to normal exercise over the following few weeks. As with any surgery, follow-up care matters — keeping an eye on the incision sites and attending the scheduled review appointment helps catch any issues early.