Clinical Profile of Patients in Relation to Different Presentations of Acute Appendictis

Abstract

Objective: To study the different presentations of acute appendicitis and to find out its morbidity and mortality.

Study Design: Descriptive prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College and Hospital Sukkur during the period of two (02) years, from April2010 to March 2012.

Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 120 patients. Major criteria for diagnosis were symptoms and signs suggestive of acute appendicitis.   Patients were operated within 12-24 hrs of admission. In majority of patients Lanz-incision were made. The appendix was submitted for histopathological examination in every case .Mostly patients were discharged on second post-operative day except the complicated cases which were discharged between 3-5 days.

Results: Out of 120 patients 80 were male and 40 were female with male to female ratio of 2:1, the highest incidence of disease is found in second and third decade of life. Common presenting symptom was anorexia seen in 85 patients. 62 patients were presented with periumblical pain which then shifted and localized at right iliac fossa. Common examination finding was rebound tenderness observed in 91 patients. 18 appendices were found perforated and 08 were gangrenous. The negative appendicitis was found in 16 patients. Commonest post-operative complication was wound infection seen in 22 patients.

Conclusion: Early presentation and surgical intervention can reduce the rate of morbidity, mortality and post-operative complications in patients of acute appendicitis.