How sick is your appendectomy?

  • N T Hlongwane University of the Witwatersrand
Keywords: appendectomy

Abstract

Appendectomy is the removal of the vermiform appendix. The term ‘appendectomy’ is misleading as it gives no indication of degree of clinical compromise the patient may be suffering leading to the need for this procedure. The patient presenting for appendectomy represents a clinical challenge to the anaesthetist, which requires vigilance in ascertaining the severity of illness in order to allow for good anaesthesia management.

Author Biography

N T Hlongwane, University of the Witwatersrand
Department of Anaesthesia Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital University of the Witwatersrand
Section
Review Articles