What are the risks of appendix removal?
• Hernia – if the deep tummy muscles do not heal well after the surgery, the underlying bowel could push through the muscle, being seen or felt as a lump. Hernias may need an operation to treat them. • Infection – this may require antibiotics, or rarely further surgery. • Injury to other structures – injury to bowel, nerves or blood vessels is rare but can occur, which may need further surgery. • Bowel leakage – after the appendix stump is closed there is a small risk that a leak may occur, allowing bowel contents to escape into the abdomen. This often needs further surgery. • Adhesions – surgery in the abdomen will lead to scar tissue forming. This can stick to nearby bowel, which may cause problems such as obstruction. This can require further surgery. • Difficulty passing urine – if this happens you may need a tube (catheter) for a day or two to help you pass water. • Blood clots in the legs – clots in the calf (deep vein thrombosis / DVT) can usually be treated with medication, but
