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Stability in incidence of acute appendicitis. A population-based longitudinal study
H Körner1, J A Söreide, E J Pedersen
1Department of Surgery, Rogaland Central Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Digestive Surgery
|March 13, 2001
Summary
This 10-year prospective study found the incidence of acute appendicitis remained stable in a defined population, contrasting with previous retrospective reports. Histological confirmation was used to track appendicitis rates.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Previous retrospective studies suggest a declining incidence of appendicitis over 50 years.
- These studies often relied on varied data sources, limiting comparability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively analyze the incidence of acute appendicitis.
- To examine appendicitis rates over a 10-year period in a well-defined population of 265,000.
Main Methods:
- Prospective registration of all surgeries for suspected acute appendicitis within a single institution's catchment area.
- Histological confirmation of acute appendicitis for all diagnosed cases.
- Calculation of annual incidence for both nonperforated and perforated appendicitis.
Main Results:
- 2,861 patients underwent surgery; 2,232 (78%) had confirmed acute appendicitis.
- Mean annual incidence was 84 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 80-88).
- Overall incidence remained stable, with minor fluctuations in specific years. Nonperforated and perforated appendicitis exhibited distinct incidence patterns.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of acute appendicitis was stable over the 10-year study period in this population.
- This prospective finding contrasts with the reported decrease in appendicitis incidence from prior retrospective studies.