Outcomes of acute appendicitis in elderly patients: a 5-year experience at a single institution

Abstract

Aim. Outcomes after elective surgical procedures are seemed as if similar in younger and older patients; however, urgent surgeries may cause significant morbidity and mortality in older patients. The aim of study was to present our management experience on acute appendicitis in elderly patient group. Methods. Patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between 2007-2012 were included in the study. Individuals with other reasons of acute abdomen not defined as acute appendicitis were excluded. With these criteria, 1382 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into three age groups: group I; younger than 29, group II; 29 to 65, and group III; 65 and older. Variables selected for analysis included age, sex, duration of symptoms, duration of hospitalization (total and preoperative), operative approach, operative findings, operative time, morbidity and mortality rates, and pathological confirmation. Results. Duration of symptoms and hospitalization (total and preoperative) were higher in the group III. Postoperative outcomes were worse in the group III compared to the other groups. However, miss diagnosis rate was lower in that age group. Conclusions. Acute appendicitis in the elderly remains a challenge for practicing surgeons and continues to be associated with high morbidity. With increasing life expectancy, more such cases are likely to be encountered in the future.