title: An analysis of appendectomies performed in a Labrador general surgery practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The main objective of our study was to determine the rates of negative appendectomies and perforated appendices at the Labrador Health Centre, and make a comparison with the rates published in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population consisted of all patients who underwent appendectomies during the 5-year period ending Apr. 3, 2006. The number and rates of negative appendectomies and perforated appendices were determined for each age and sex category.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 64 patients who were included in the study, 11% were found to have undergone negative appendectomies and 27% had perforated appendices. There was a clear trend toward decreasing perforation rates with increasing age as well as a trend toward increasing negative appendectomy rates with increasing age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rates of negative appendectomies and perforated appendices at the Labrador Health Centre are comparable with those published in the literature. Trends found in the data will help to guide future improvements in patient management.
authors.affiliation: Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clarkson
authors.forename: G Narsing
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Pradhan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome