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APPENDICITIS IN UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL, NIGERIA
1Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, River State, Nigeria.
East African Medical Journal
|February 9, 2016
Summary
Acute appendicitis, a common cause of abdominal pain, shows a slight female predominance in Nigeria. Early diagnosis and prompt surgery are crucial for successful management and reducing complications like wound infection.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a frequent cause of acute abdomen globally.
- Its incidence is rising in developing nations.
- Wound infection is the most common postsurgical complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation patterns of acute appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted.
- Data were collected from patients with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis.
- The study was set in the Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Main Results:
- 130 patients (62 males, 68 females) underwent appendicectomy.
- Peak incidence occurred in the 21-30 age group.
- Right iliac fossa pain and tenderness were universal presenting symptoms.
- The overall complication rate was 10%, with wound infection at 7.7%.
Conclusions:
- Appendicitis presentation at UPTH aligns with West African patterns, noting a slight female predominance.
- Effective management hinges on early diagnosis and swift surgical intervention.
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