The appendix is a small pouch at the site where the small and large intestine come together. Appendicitis means the appendix is inflamed, often because a piece of stool is blocking its opening. Common symptoms of an inflamed appendix include: * Pain in the abdomen starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right, that gets worse when you move * lack of appetite * nausea and vomiting * mild fever An inflamed appendix usually needs to be removed. This surgical procedure, called an appendectomy, can be done through tiny cuts or one larger cut in the lower right side of the belly. A tool that cuts tissue and stops bleeding is used to remove the appendix. If the appendix has burst or ruptured, a tube may be put in the abdomen for a few days so the infection can drain.
