| appendectomy | <procedure, surgery> A surgical procedure which involves the removal of an inflamed appendix. This procedure may be performed through a conventional abdominal incision or using a laparoscope. In both approaches the patient is asleep under general anaesthesia. Convalescence in the hospital is 1 to 3 days. Typically much shorter if performed laparoscopically. Rupture of the appendix can lengthen recovery time considerably. See: appendicitis. (27 Sep 1997) |
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