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 ...

The human appendix is a small, muscular, vermiform or worm-shaped organ, averaging around 9cm in length, that is located at the junction of the small and large intestine. 1 According to comparative ...

Untreated appendicitis may cause your appendix to rupture (burst), resulting in an infection. Symptoms associated with a ruptured appendix include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, and weakness.

Appendicitis symptoms start with belly pain that moves and intensifies in your lower right side. Without surgery, perforated appendicitis can lead to serious complications like peritonitis or sepsis.