Understanding Joel Embiid’s Appendectomy
- Post By: Jeff Stotts
- Date:
- Category: NBA, Understanding...
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid remains one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, especially when it comes to player health. Unfortunately, Embiid’s lengthy list of injuries grew longer Thursday when it was announced he would needed surgery for appendicitis.
The appendix is a small tube-like organ that comes off a portion of the colon known as the cecum. The cecum is located near the junction of the small and large intestine, key organs of the digestive tract. The function of the appendix has been long debated though the majority classify it is a vestigial organ. However, it appears as though the appendix may play a pivotal role in housing gut bacteria and helping the overall health of the intestine. Regardless of its function, the appendix remains vulnerable to inflammation if its opening becomes obstructed. If the inflammation becomes severe enough, doctors may remove the organ in a procedure known as an appendectomy.
Once an invasive procedure, most modern appendectomies are performed laparoscopically. In a laparoscopic appendectomy, the associated incisions are small and a majority of the muscle tissue is left intact. A tiny camera and surgical tools are then inserted to remove the appendix.
In some extreme cases, the appendix can rupture, spilling bacteria and any accumulated pus into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to peritonitis or sepsis, quickly making the situation into a serious and potentially life-threatening problem.
Athletes are not immune to appendicitis with a number of high-level athletes succumbing to the problem. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed time during the 2006 season after having his appendix removed and Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. underwent an appendectomy just last November. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager saw his 2025 season prematurely end following the surgery. In the NBA, multiple players including Hall-of-Famer Grant Hill, OG Anunoby, and Rudy Gobert have undergone appendectomies during their careers.
Since the 2005-06 NBA season, an in-season appendectomy results in an average time loss of roughly 23 days or 10.2 games. (Median = 18 days). Anunoby’s absence during Toronto’s 2019 championship run serves as a notable outlier. The forward missed nearly two months after his procedure and still did not appear in the Finals when he finally was cleared to return. However, the extended absence is likely linked to Anunoby suffering a ruptured appendix and a subsequent infection.
There has been no official confirmation regarding whether Embiid’s appendix ruptured. However, it is important to note that his surgery was not described as an emergency procedure, suggesting the inflamed appendix did not burst. Expect more information to trickle out following surgery but for now Sixers fans can anticipate a multi-week absence that could impact just how the team’s season ends.