Analysis of early appendectomies for suspected acute appendicitis: a prospective study

ABSTRACT

A prospective study of 210 cases undergoing early appendicectomies for suspected acute appendicitis is presented. The diagnosis was based on detailed history and clinical examination with limited investigations. There was a 7.2 percent incidence of negative appendicectomies with a 13.3 percent rate of complications. The overall morbidity was 9.5 percent. The incidence of post-operative complications was 37.2 percent in the complicated group as opposed to 8.9 percent in the un-complicated appendicitis and zero percent in negative explorations. An aggressive and prompt approach is recommended to lower the incidence of perforated appendicitis and hence postoperative morbidity