Negligent surgery affecting fertility: appendix surgery

Posted: 27/11/2025

As medical negligence solicitors, we often support clients whose lives have been profoundly affected by surgical errors. One area of concern is the impact of negligent appendix surgery on female fertility. While appendectomies are common and generally safe procedures, when things go wrong the consequences can be life-altering - particularly for women of childbearing age.

In this article, we explore how negligent appendix surgery can affect fertility, the types of errors that can occur and what compensation may be available. We also share two anonymised case studies to illustrate the real-world impact of such negligence.

How can appendix surgery affect fertility?

The appendix is located near the reproductive organs, particularly the fallopian tubes and ovaries. When surgery is performed negligently, whether due to delays, incomplete removal or post-operative complications, it can lead to infections, scarring (adhesions) or damage to surrounding structures. These complications can, in turn, impair fertility.

Some of the ways that negligent appendix surgery can affect fertility include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection spreading from a perforated appendix can cause PID, which may damage the fallopian tubes.
• Adhesions: Internal scarring can distort pelvic anatomy, making natural conception more difficult.
• Tubal blockage: Inflammation or infection can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the sperm.
• Need for IVF: In some cases, natural conception becomes impossible and assisted reproductive techniques like IVF are required.

We have seen a number of cases where negligent care has been provided to patients with appendicitis. In one case, our client attended A&E with severe abdominal pain, nausea and fever, all signs of appendicitis. Despite this, there were delays in arranging appropriate imaging and surgical review. Her appendix perforated while she waited, leading to a widespread infection in her abdominal cavity.

She underwent emergency surgery and suffered a severe infection that prolonged her recovery period and may have affected her fertility. Our evidence confirmed that, had she been operated on sooner, the appendix would not have ruptured and the infection would not have spread. However, we were able to settle the claim. 

In another case, our client underwent surgery to remove her appendix after presenting with the classic symptoms of appendicitis. Initially, she was told the operation had gone well. However, she continued to suffer from abdominal pain, fever and fatigue in the following weeks. Eventually, it was discovered that a portion of her appendix known as the 'appendix stump' had been left behind and the retained tissue had become infected. She required several further investigations and procedures.

Unfortunately, the infection had spread to her pelvic region, causing adhesions and damage between the uterus and rectum. She was advised that she would likely require IVF to conceive in the future.  

What can you claim for?

The emotional toll that surgical negligence can take -  especially when it affects something as personal and life-changing as fertility - is, of course, impossible to fully compensate. However, a successful medical negligence claim can cover general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, as well as special damages for financial losses caused by the negligent treatment. 

These include:

• cost of fertility treatment such as IVF;
• loss of earnings;
• travel and care expenses;
• future losses such as reduced earning capacity or ongoing medical costs.

Each case is assessed individually and compensation will depend on the severity of the injury and its impact on the patient's life. 

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