Postoperative acute appendicitis

Six patients who developed acute appendicitis after surgical operations (cholecystectomy, choledocholithotomy, sigmoid resection, osteosynthesis of a hip fracture, abdomino-perineal resection) are described. The symptoms, signs and the results of investigations leading to relaparotomy are summarized. Possible causes of acute appendicitis after operation or trauma (luminal obstruction, bacterial infection, ischaemic changes and thrombosis) are discussed. As prevention is not possible, successful management of postoperative acute appendicitis includes an awareness of the complication and prompt surgical intervention.