Most people know only two things about the appendix: You don’t need it – and if it bursts, you need surgery fast. That basic story traces back at least to Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who ...

It was the first day of spring break in 1992 in Phoenix, Ariz. and 12-year-old Heather Smith was excited for her family's upcoming ski trip. But before Smith and her family had even packed their snow ...

Appendicitis is not an inherited condition, but genetics may play a role. However, the cause of appendicitis is often unclear. Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix. An infection may ...

You may have heard that astronauts have their appendix removed before leaving Earth. After all, people say you can live without this organ because it serves no purpose, but how much truth is there in ...

(CNN) — Surgery to remove the appendix, called appendectomy, is the go-to treatment for patients with appendicitis and is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. However, antibiotic ...

Appendicitis is a potentially serious condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. While the small organ tucked in the lower right abdomen often goes unnoticed, problems can ...

Chronic appendicitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the appendix. It can become extremely painful and, in some cases, life threatening. The main symptom is abdominal pain. Treatment for chronic ...

Appendicitis is a disease caused by a blockage or inflammation in the appendix organ. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture inside of a person's body and be life-threatening. Severe pain in the ...