Appendectomy

Alternative names:

appendix removal

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• reactions to medications
• problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

• bleeding
• infection

Additional risks for appendectomy that occurs with a ruptured appendicitis include:

• longer hospital stays
• antibiotic treatment

Caution:
There are deaths annually in the U.S. from untreated acute appendicitis. If a person has symptoms of appendicitis (pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting), DO NOT use heating pads, enemas, laxatives, or other home treatments. DO seek emergency healthcare promptly (your doctor or the emergency room).