Surgery to remove the appendix is called an appendectomy.

The two types of appendectomy include:

• Open appendectomy:
• An incision is made in the right lower abdomen and the appendix is removed through the incision.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy:
• A small incision is made in the umbilicus and the surgeon uses a flexible fiberoptic scope to remove the appendix through the small incision.

The laparoscope cannot be used if the surgeon suspects that the appendix has ruptured.