Appendectomy (acute appendicitis)

The body can function properly without the appendix. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. When the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen, bacteria can multiply rapidly inside the organ and lead to the formation of pus. If the infected appendix is not removed, it can eventually burst and spread the bacteria. Infection caused by ruptured appendix is very serious, it can form an abscess (a pus infection) or spread throughout the abdomen (this type of infection is called peritonitis).