The surgical pathology of the appendix in South African blacks.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the type of pathology seen in appendices removed for acute appendicitis.


METHODS
A retrospective study.


METHODS
Department of Anatomical Pathology at Ga-Rankuwa/Medunsa Academic Complex, Gauteng Province, South Africa.


METHODS
408 Black patients who had appendectomy at Garankuwa Hospital.


METHODS
Prevalence of appendicitis.


RESULTS
Appendicitis was diagnosed in 65.7% of the cases of which 25% showed perforation. The disease was common in males and was predominantly seen in the second decade. Parasites were seen in 3.4% of cases and two benign tumours were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Appendicitis is common amongst urban South African Blacks and the pattern of the disease is similar to that observed in other African urban centres.
Muthuphei
M N
MN
Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, Medunsa, South Africa.
Morwamoche
P
P
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D044383:Black People; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013019:South Africa