The diagnostic challenge of postoperative acute appendicitis.
During the period 1979 to 1989, 0.1% of all cases of acute appendicitis at our institution occurred soon after another operative procedure. The interval between primary operation and appendectomy was 5 to 31 days (mean, 14 days). Signs and symptoms did not differ from those of classical acute appendicitis. Duration of symptoms ranged from 12 hours to 8 days (mean, 2.4 days). Perforation was present in 3 patients, suppurative appendicitis in 1 patient, and acute inflammation in 4 patients. Two of the perforations were associated with abscess formation. Morbidity related to the appendiceal condition included hepatic abscesses, septic shock, and prolonged ileus. There was no mortality. Hospitalization ranged from 6 to 80 days (mean, 12.5 days).
Barr
D
D
Section of Gastroenterologic and General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
van Heerden
J A
JA
Mucha
P
P
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies