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Published:
May 21, 2004Keywords:
Acute Appendicitis Appendicectomy Acute Surgical Abdomen
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Acute Appendicitis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
Objective: To determine the pattern of occurrence of acute appendicitis in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Methods: A prospective study of patients who were admitted for acute appendicitis at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in the 6 year period from 1984 to 1989 was undertaken.
Results: Appendix pathology was confirmed in 76.6% of the patients admitted for acute appendicitis during the study period. A false diagnosis of acute appendicitis led to Appendicectomy in 23.4% of the patients, mostly females with pelvic pathology. Acute appendicitis was found to be commoner in females than males and the commonest age range was in the 11 to 30 years old group. Acute Appendicitis was also found to be commoner in the better educated social classes. The duration of hospitalization and postoperative complications were affected by late presentation to surgery but not by the status of the operating surgeon.
Conclusion: Acute appendicitis was diagnosed more often in females than in males in the ratio of 2:1. Over the period of study, the incidence of acute appendicitis showed a rising trend.
Key Words: Acute Appendicitis, Appendicectomy, Acute Surgical Abdomen
Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.16(1) 2004: 1-3
Methods: A prospective study of patients who were admitted for acute appendicitis at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in the 6 year period from 1984 to 1989 was undertaken.
Results: Appendix pathology was confirmed in 76.6% of the patients admitted for acute appendicitis during the study period. A false diagnosis of acute appendicitis led to Appendicectomy in 23.4% of the patients, mostly females with pelvic pathology. Acute appendicitis was found to be commoner in females than males and the commonest age range was in the 11 to 30 years old group. Acute Appendicitis was also found to be commoner in the better educated social classes. The duration of hospitalization and postoperative complications were affected by late presentation to surgery but not by the status of the operating surgeon.
Conclusion: Acute appendicitis was diagnosed more often in females than in males in the ratio of 2:1. Over the period of study, the incidence of acute appendicitis showed a rising trend.
Key Words: Acute Appendicitis, Appendicectomy, Acute Surgical Abdomen
Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.16(1) 2004: 1-3
