[A retrospective study of 469 cases of acute appendicitis. Importance of primary care]. / Estudio retrospectivo de 469 casos de apendicitis aguda. Importancia de la atención primaria.

In the present study 469 cases of acute appendicitis, who were referred from the community and operated in the Surgery Service from the Soria Hospital, were retrospectively evaluated. The results showed an incidence of appendectomies lower than in other series (79.76 cases/100,000/year), with a higher frequency in males and in the age group between 10-30 years. No significant relation was found between symptoms and the correct diagnosis of appendicitis; however, the time of evolution influenced the number of hospital days and the degree of inflammation in the appendix. We emphasize the relevance of early diagnosis and the referral of the patient from primary care to the hospital stay and cost.