Appendectomy

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure appendectomy as performed by the following approaches: open and laparoscopic. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps needed, equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: patient positioning, incision orientation, port placement (if applicable), exposure of the appendix, division of the appendix, and skin closure.