[Useless appendectomy, its diagnostic difficulties]

There are no useless appendectomies. Appendectomy is useful in the treatment of appendicitis. Early appendectomy has enabled us to win the battle against appendicitis. Appendectomy is useful in the diagnosis of appendicular syndromes. Appendicitis isn't the only appendicular disease. Appendectomy is an excision-biopsy. Appendectomy is useful in the exploration of pseudo-appendicular syndromes. Appendicites encounter ileo-colic, urologic gynecologic, hepato-vesicular, gastro-duodenal or even extra-abdominal disorders at the "space to the right of the iliac fossa". The diagnosis is then non-appendicitis rather than appendicitis. It is based on clinical criteria and the modern minimum useful investigation. Appendectomy is then an exploratory laparotomy. Appendectomy is useful in the prevention of pre-appendicular syndromes: post-surgical appendicites, traveller's appendicites and circuit appendicites, appendectomy does not cost more than appendicitis.