Surgical audit: a prospective study of the morbidity and mortality of acute appendicitis

Between March and September 1989, acute appendicitis was clinically diagnosed in 317 patients who were studied as part of a prospective surgical audit. The study was designed to determine the accuracy of diagnosis, comparison of the macroscopic appearance of the appendix at operation, and subsequent histopathology and complications associated with the morbidity and mortality of emergency appendectomy. The clinical diagnosis was correct in 278 patients [88%]. Thirty-nine [12%] of the patients had a negative laparotomy. There was no mortality, and wound infection was the source of increased morbidity in 37 [12%] patients. The highest incidence of wound infection was among those who had pus in the peritoneum [20%] or had a perforated or gangrenous appendix [25%]. When the macroscopic appearance of the appendix was compared with the subsequent histopathological findings, a false positive error of 7% and a false negative error of 42% was found. During appendectomy the gross appearance of the appendix must be carefully noted so that a meticulous surgical technique can be complemented by appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis against wound infection, started at the time of surgery