Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. When the appendix is inflamed it causes pain and makes you feel unwell. What are the benefits of surgery? You will no longer get appendicitis. Surgery should prevent you from having serious complications that appendicitis can cause. Are there any alternatives to surgery? Antibiotics can be used to treat inflammation or an abscess, but only if you are well enough. If an abscess continues or if you become unwell even with antibiotics, you will need an operation. What does the operation involve? An appendicectomy is usually performed under a spinal anaesthetic. The operation usually takes between half an hour and an hour. We will remove the appendix either by using the laparoscopic (keyhole) technique or by an open cut in the abdomen.