Filmmaker Kiran Rao recently shared a health update after undergoing surgery for her appendix. Taking to Instagram, Kiran revealed that she had to undergo a procedure for her “12 mm diameter appendix” and posted photos and a short video from Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.
In an Instagram post, Kiran wrote that she was all set to ‘party her way into 2026’ but her appendix sent her a reminder to slow down. She expressed gratitude to modern medicine, her doctors, the hospital staff, and her close friends and family who supported her during her hospital stay. Kiran also mentioned that she has now been discharged and is recovering at home.
While Kiran did not specify the exact medical condition, appendix surgery is most commonly performed due to appendicitis.
What is appendicitis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis can cause severe pain and requires appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix.
Common signs and symptoms
The symptoms of appendicitis should not be ignored. According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, common symptoms include sudden pain that begins around the navel and often shifts to the lower right abdomen, pain that worsens with movement, coughing or walking, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, mild fever, constipation or diarrhoea, and abdominal bloating.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that the pain often becomes sharp and severe within hours. In some cases, symptoms may vary depending on age, pregnancy, or the exact position of the appendix, making diagnosis tricky.
What leads to appendix surgery?
Appendix surgery is usually required when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. According to the Mayo Clinic, appendicitis may occur when the appendix is blocked by stool, a foreign body, or swelling of lymph tissue due to infection. This blockage allows bacteria to multiply rapidly, causing inflammation, swelling, and pus formation.
If left untreated, the appendix can burst, leading to a life-threatening infection called peritonitis. This is why doctors often recommend immediate surgery once appendicitis is suspected.
When to seek medical help
Doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if severe abdominal pain develops suddenly or worsens over time. According to the NHS, self-medicating with painkillers or laxatives can mask symptoms and delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of complications.