Pattern and Clinical Presentation of Acute Appendicitis in Adults in Zewditu Memorial Hospital

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is one of the commonest surgical emergencies encountered in adult and children. The disease is thought to be rare in Africa, however certain studies in Africa didn't substantiate this. The objectives of this study were to determine the pattern, clinical presentation and outcome of surgical intervention in patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS: The study was retrospective analysis of 277 hospital records of patients who had appendectomy from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1998 in Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa. RESULTS: Of the total 653 acute abdomen cases admitted, 305 (46.7%) were acute appendicitis. Out of the 277,16 (5.8%) patients found to have right lower quadrant mass, which were managed conservatively while 261(94.2%) were operated. Intra operatively it was found that 184(70.6%) were simple, 45(17.4%) perforated 25(9.5%) gangrenous and 7(2.5%) were appendicle abscesses with amputated stump left. Male to Female ratio was 2.6:1 and with peak age occurring between 13-30 years. All patients had abdominal pain, 213 (76.9%) vomiting and195 (70.4%) rebound tenderness. Digital rectal examination was done in 127(45.8%) of which tenderness being elicited in only 80 (63.0%). CONCLUSION: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen, therefore, physicians should have high index of suspicion if patient presents with acute abdominal pain. [Ethiop J Health Sci. 2003; 13(2): 117-123].Ethiop J Health Sci Vol. 13, No. 2 July 200