Does the retrocecal position influence the course of acute appendicitis

In order to assess if and how the course in acute appendicitis is influenced by a retrocecal position of the vermiform appendix we reviewed the hospital records of 247 randomly selected patients who had been operated between 1976-78 at the Department of Surgery, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden. The retrocecal position was found in 17%. No association was found between age and anatomical position of the appendix. Perforation had occurred in 14% of the patients with the retrocecal position and in 18% of the patients with other anatomical positions. Patient's delay was prolonged in cases with perforation but was not influenced by the retrocecal position. Doctor's delay was in patients with non-perforated appendicitis longer in cases with than without the retrocecal position. The incidence of wound infections and other complications was increased in cases with perforation but was not further increased by the retrocecal position.