Etymed
appendectomy
Definition
surgical removal of the appendix
Clinical context
A 22-year-old male presents to the emergency department with 24 hours of periumbilical pain that has shifted to the right lower quadrant. On examination, he has rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant and a positive Rovsing's sign. His white blood cell count is elevated at 15,000. An appendectomy is performed emergently to prevent complications such as perforation and abscess formation.
Mnemonic
APPENDICITIS - Apendiceal Pain, Perforation, Elevation, Nausea, Diarrhea, Tenderness, Inflammation, Suppurative