What I Learned From Grey’s Anatomy — Appendectomy

The Intern Appy is a classic in Grey’s — from George O’Malley to Jo Wilson, we’ve watched generations of interns tackle this surgery and even watched Meredith Grey have one. But what exactly is the appendix and when do we remove it?

Anatomy of the Appendix

The appendix sits at the junction of the small and large intestine, attached to the cecum of the large intestine. It’s a finger-like projection, about 4 inches long. Its function is currently unknown and most people go their whole life without thinking about it UNLESS it gets inflamed.

Clinical Presentation of Appendicitis

Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix. A patient will come in with sharp, acute pain in their right lower quadrant after generalized pain around the belly button. They will also experience rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant (pain after the abdomen is pushed down and then quickly released). Other symptoms include lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Tests will show high white blood cell count. Imaging with ultrasound or CT can be done.

Relevant physical exams to be performed include: