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Recurrent appendicitis
M D Barber1, J McLaren, J B Rainey
1Department of Surgery, St John's Hospital at Howden, Livingston, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Recurrent appendicitis is a real condition, affecting at least 6.5% of patients who eventually have their appendix removed. This study confirms its existence and incidence in surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The concept of spontaneous resolution of appendicitis has been debated.
- Previous literature lacks definitive evidence on the incidence of recurrent appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and incidence of recurrent appendicitis.
- To differentiate clinical presentations of resolving versus acute appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1084 patients undergoing appendectomy (1982-1991).
- Inclusion of 60 patients with normal appendix removal for comparison.
- Utilized patient casenotes and the Alvarado scoring system.
Main Results:
- 71 patients (6.5%) experienced recurrent appendicitis symptoms, with spontaneous resolution.
- Symptom resolution occurred between 3 weeks and 12 years prior to appendectomy.
- Significant differences in Alvarado scores were observed between resolving, normal, and inflamed appendix groups.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent appendicitis is a validated clinical entity.
- At least 6.5% of patients undergoing appendectomy have experienced recurrent appendicitis.
- Distinct clinical profiles exist for patients with resolving appendicitis compared to those with acute or normal appendix findings.
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