Post-Appendectomy Questions regarding Surgical clip and location of scars

Dear Ask The Doctor: I was wondering if I could get information about my appendectomy performed a few years ago. A recent xray revealed that a surgical clip was left in and it sits in my lower right abdomen. Furthermore, I have two scars - one above my belly button and one to my lower left abdomen, but none on the right side. I am mostly interested to know if there is a risk posed by the surgical clip but would also be interested to know if there is a reason why the scar would be on the left side and how the clip would become so dislodged to move to the other side of my abdomen after surgery.

Dear Christina: I do understand that you would like information regarding your appendectomy surgery. Before going into the details of the surgery I would like to explain you a little about the appendix.

The appendix is a tube-like structure that is located at the junction of the small and large intestines and is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. It is usually about 10cm long and is a vestigial organ (performs no function). Appendicitis is caused when there is inflammation of the appendix due to collection of food material and bacterial infection.

In a laparoscopic appendectomy, port placement depends on the surgeon. In women due to cosmetic concerns, the laparoscopic ports are usually placed lower in the abdomen and sometimes only two ports are used. In a two port procedure, one port is palaced below the umbilicus and the other at the left lower lower quadrant of the abdomen. The surgical clip that is present in the right lower abdomen, is the clip that was used to clamp the opening of the appendix after it was removed. The clip will cause no complications. I hope I have been able to answer your question, take care.