What is the most common complication of appendicitis?
Appendectomy is not a risk-free procedure. Appendectomy complications are rare but can happen. Wound infection, abscess, and hernia are some of the most common. Postoperative bleeding is the most common complication. It occurs in 1% of all cases. (9)
Postoperative bleeding
Appendectomy can cause postoperative bleeding, a potentially fatal but rare complication. Postoperative bleeding is a rare but potentially fatal complication of appendectomy. The use of anticoagulants, thrombolytics, or coagulopathy can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
Postoperative bleeding may occur as soon as a few days after surgery, or even several days later. Postoperative bleeding can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and hypotension. The treatment of postoperative blood loss includes the administration of blood products as well as surgical intervention if necessary. Postoperative bleeding can be a serious problem that needs to be treated promptly in order to prevent adverse outcomes.
Wound Infection
The appendectomy is a common surgery in the United States. This surgery is usually safe but wound infection is a possible complication.
In approximately 1-3% of cases, wound infection occurs after appendectomy. The infection can cause swelling and pain around the surgical site. It can also cause high fever and chills in some cases. Untreated wound infections can cause further complications such as sepsis, or even death.
Antibiotics are usually effective in treating wound infections. The key to preventing severe complications is early diagnosis and treatment. You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infection in the wound after an appendectomy.
Hernia
Appendectomy is generally a safe procedure, but there are risks, such as the possibility of developing a hernia. A hernia occurs when the abdominal wall is weak, allowing internal organs or tissues to bulge out. Hernias may need additional surgery in some cases.
Individual risk factors can affect the risk of developing hernias after appendectomy. The overall risk is about 5%. Age, smoking, obesity and other factors can all increase the risk of a hernia developing after an appendectomy.
Abscess
You may develop an abscess after an appendectomy. An abscess is a collection pus formed by an infection. The abscess can develop anywhere on the body including the area where the removed appendix. The abscess can develop in the surgical area, the appendix stump or the liver. Fever, chills and nausea are all symptoms of an abscess following an appendectomy. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Antibiotics and surgery are used to treat an abscess that develops after appendectomy.
Peritonitis
Peritonitis, though rare, is a serious complication after appendectomy. This is an inflammation in the tissues surrounding the appendix. It can occur at any time following surgery, but most often occurs within the first couple of weeks.
Peritonitis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Contact your doctor if you have these symptoms following an appendectomy. If not treated immediately, peritonitis can cause infection of the blood and even death. These complications can be prevented by early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
