[Clinico-pathologic considerations on 9,952 appendices removed at the Busto Arsizio Hospital from 1966 to 1989]

The histological examination of all the surgically removed appendices at the Busto Arsizio Hospital started in 1966. Several interesting pathological features were recognized, together with a significant change of the clinician's attitude toward "appendicopathies". Elmintiasis was relatively frequent especially in the cases operated before 1980; the decrease of this condition may be due to the improvement of the hygienic conditions. There were 53 carcinoid tumors, more frequently in young females. Some time histology simulated malignancy, not confirmed by the biologic behavior. Several other pathologic conditions were observed, and retained occasionally responsible of the abdominal symptoms. In the more recent years a relatively large number of appendices were removed during surgical procedures for other pathological conditions. The most surprising results concern however the decrease of the number of appendectomies performed yearly (755 in the late 60s, vs. 160 more recently) as well as the elevation of the age of the operated patients. The systemic histological examination of the appendix and the accurate recording of clinicopathological data is therefore a recommended procedure for a quality control of both the surgical and the anatomopathological activities.