[Indications for appendectomy]

While the statistical morbidity and mortality rates of appendicitis are high in the GDR, a declining trend has been recordable since 1970. The incidence of appendicitis in the GDR, as compared to figures in other countries, has supported the author's insistence on early indication and surgical action to prevent the occurrence of avoidable deaths. This is the reason why a liberal approach is taken to appendectomy in cases of appendicitis.