Are you considering surgery? Know your risks.

Problems after appendix or gall bladder surgery.
Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. Today, gallbladder surgery is often performed without a large incision. They use a device called a laparoscope. The name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Although complications with this surgery do not frequently occur, as with any surgery, there may be bleeding, infection, pneumonia, fever, blood clots, no bowel movements, and/or worsening pain not relieved by medication and heart problems. Sometimes, accidental injury to other organs such as the bile duct or small bowel may occur and may require another surgical procedure to repair it. Bile leakage into the abdomen may also occur.

If you have had gall bladder surgery, call your doctor if

• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
• You develop a high temperature.
• Your incision is swollen and red, or you see any pus. These are signs of infection.
• Pain from the surgery doesn't stop or gets worse.
• Your stitches or staples come apart.
• You see any of the following signs that too much bile is building up in your body:
  • Yellow skin
  • Light brown or yellow stool.
  • Dark yellow or light brown urine.

For more information, visit the web sites:
http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc6007.htm
http://www.gallbladderattack.com/gallbladdersurgery.shtml

Problems after appendix surgery.
Appendectomy (removal of the appendix) is a good treatment for appendicitis (infection and inflammation of the appendix, which is part of the colon). While complications are rare, the most common risk with this surgery is infection around the wound. Possible problems include: drainage, bleeding, or swelling at the incision site; fever, and pain that worsens or is not relieved by medication. Differences in care may result in fewer problems after surgery.

For more information, visit the web site:
http://www.medicinenet.com/appendicitis/page5.htm#tock