Assessment of Incidence and Management Outcome of Acute Appendicitis at Saint Luke Catholic Hospital, Oromia Region, Southwest Shoa, Woliso, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the vermiform appendix. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly because of rupture leading to peritonitis and shock. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and management outcome of acute appendicitis in Saint Luke catholic hospital wolliso, Oromia region south west shewa Ethiopia.Methods: A retrospective cross sectional analysis was undertaken with complete survey on all cases of acute appendicitis surgically managed at Saint Luke Catholic Hospital from January 1, 2013 up to December 31, 2015 G.C. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine incidence and management outcome of acute appendicitis and logistic regression was carried out to analyze the association between the independent and dependent variables. Results: About 382 patients, 81.1% males, were operated for acute appendicitis. Majority of the patients were in the second decades of life. Abdominal pain was invariably the main presenting compliant in 382 (100%).Intraoperative findings included inflamed appendix181(47.4%), perforated appendix56(14.7%), gangrenous appendix49(12.8%), appendiceal abscess 39(10.2%), and normal appendix 33(8.6%).The predominant postoperative complication was postoperative wound infection in 19 of 39 (48.7%). Death of patients due to appendicitis was not recorded during the study period. Male patients had 63% less risk of developing unfavorable outcome (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.56, 0.88]).Those patients with WBC >10,000 cells/mm³ were 3.6 times more likely have unfavorable outcome (AOR =3.6, 95% CI [1.55, 8.47]) Conclusion: Acute appendicitis mainly affects the young population group in the second decades of life and males are more vulnerable. Therefore, working up on patients with abdominal pain for acute appendicitis and validating this subjective complaint of the patient with proper history taking and physical examination, with relevant laboratory investigations, and thorough postoperative care will improve the management outcome of the patient.

Keywords: Acute appendicitis, Appendectomy, Saint Luke Catholic Hospital