Long-term outcome of simple inversion of the appendix as an alternative to incidental appendectomy.
BACKGROUND
Inversion of the appendix is an alternative to incidental appendectomy to prevent future appendicitis. This study investigated outcome and complications in a group of patients who underwent simple inversion of the appendix.


METHODS
Inversion of the appendix was performed in 41 patients, including 21 women (51%) and 20 men (49%) (mean age, 48.7 years; range, 12-85 years). A simple inversion technique was used in 65% of patients. Twenty-nine patients had colonoscopy between 3 to 44 months after surgery (mean, 8 months), none for the sake of the study.


RESULTS
During the follow up, none of patients developed intussusception or rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy demonstrated an absent appendix in 9 patients (31%). In the remaining 20 patients (69%), the inverted appendix persisted with no obvious change on visualized mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
Neither intussusception nor hemorrhage was observed after simple inversion. In our view, persistence of the appendix is a welcome event since the presence of the appendix may carry several benefits as it continues to work as a specialized organ, exerting an important physiological role in facilitating forward passage of colon contents, providing antibacterial functions and possibly playing a preventive role against development of colon and other cancers.
Almasad
Jamal Khalil
JK
Department of General Surgery, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. jmasad@ju.edu.jo
Daoud
Faiez S
FS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D001065:Appendix / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome