An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. It is most commonly performed as an emergency procedure to treat appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix that can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency because a ruptured appendix can cause a serious infection (peritonitis), which may be life-threatening. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the appendix through either open surgery or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.