Appendectomy or appendix removal Operation is the procedure to remove an inflamed or infected appendix. This procedure is usually recommended in cases of acute appendicitis where the condition advances rapidly. In cases of acute appendicitis, there is a higher risk of the appendix bursting on its own. If the appendix bursts, the infection may spread to the entire body, which can be fatal. Thus, timely treatment is critical in the case of acute appendicitis. In chronic appendicitis, surgical treatment is elective as the pain is not severe, and the chances of other complications are also minimal.