Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and swollen. This usually happens when the opening of the appendix gets blocked, often by stool, a foreign body, or cancer. Symptoms include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, and nausea. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications, such as a ruptured appendix. Treatment for appendicitis typically involves surgery to remove the inflamed appendix, a procedure known as an appendectomy. This surgery can be done through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Most people recover quickly and can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.