Appendectomies carry all the risks typically associated with all forms of surgery. These include patient reaction to anesthesia (such as allergic reactions or breathing problems), bleeding and infection.

Patients should immediately contact their physician if they experience any of the following after an appendectomy:

• Persistent fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius)
• Bleeding
• Increased abdominal swelling
• Pain that is not relieved by medications
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Chills
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Pus drainage from any incision
• Worsening redness around incisions
• Inability to eat or drink liquids
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement