Epidemiological aspects of appendicitis in a rural setup

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> The aim was to study the 3-year epidemiological trend of acute appendicitis in a rural setup. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This is a retrospective study of patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of appendicitis over a period of 3 years excluding negative appendectomy cases. Totally, 130 cases were diagnosed as an acute appendicitis, on clinical suspicion and investigations during this period. We reviewed and studied these cases regarding incidence of appendicitis in different age groups, sex, according to dietary pattern and seasonal trend. <b>Results:</b> Occurrence of appendicitis was the highest in the 11-20 years age group which constituted 44.6%. Followed by 21-30 years age group, which constituted 36.1%. The incidence of appendicitis between the age group 31 and 40 years constituted 11.5% while between 0 and 10 years age group was 3%. Between 41-50 years and 51-75 years of age group 2.3% each. The youngest case recorded was 8 years of age and the oldest 65 years of age. In this study occurrence of appendicitis in both male and female was almost equal. Nonvegetarians were affected more than vegetarians. The occurrence of appendicitis was peak in the spring and low in the summer. <b>Conclusion:</b> Acute appendicitis should be suspected irrespective of age, sex and socioeconomic status of individual. Age-specific occurrence, sex ratio of appendicitis give the impression that epidemiologic features of acute appendicitis are different with worldwide data. It is difficult to diagnose appendicitis in young children, young women and elderly people. Total leukocyte count, urine microscopy, ultrasonography and computed tomography abdomen should be used as a diagnostic aid in doubtful cases in association with physical findings, but it does not replace the clinical skills of a general surgeon.