Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
Appendectomy: a risk factor for colectomy in patients with Clostridium difficile
Felix A Yong1, Anthony M Alvarado1, Huaping Wang2
1Department of Surgery, University of Illinois-Peoria, 624 NE Glen Oak Ave. Peoria IL 61603-3135, USA.
Background:
The appendix, considered an intestinal microbiota reservoir, may be protective against the risk of fulminant Clostridium difficile infection.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis was performed in patients with C. difficile infection at St. Francis Medical Center from 2007 to 2011. Outcome of infection and history of appendectomy were compared. Statistical analysis was by chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
In total, 507 patients were hospitalized for C. difficile. Of 388 patients with intact appendix, 20 (5.2%) developed fulminant infection and required colectomy, whereas of 119 patients with previous appendectomy, 13 (10.9%) required colectomy. An increased severity of disease, indicated by increased rate of colectomy, occurred for the group with a history of appendectomy (P = .03). Age and sex were adjusted by multivariant regression (P = .05).
Conclusions:
Appendectomy may be a risk factor for increased severity of C. difficile infection. Although the mechanism is unknown, further studies are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
01:19Appendicitis
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...