Retrospective Study of Acute Appendicitis in Jordan

Abstract

Analysis of histopathological data obtained from 2264 emergency appendectomies performed in Jordan during 1975 to 1979 revealed a diagnostic accuracy rate of 61% ; 65% of the patients were in the second and third decades and the male to female ratio was 2.1:1.0. A seasonal variation of acute appendicitis with a peak in summer months was observed. The factors that may account for this variation will be discussed. SA Al-Jitawi, Retrospective Study of Acute Appendicitis in Jordan. 1990; 10(4): 426-428The high prevalence of acute appendicitis in Western countries is attributed to dietary habits.1 In Jordan, the quantity and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are affected by seasonal variations. This study was carried out to assess the main epidemiological features of the disease, particularly in relation to dietary habits. Material and MethodsA total of 2264 appendectomy specimens were collected from the pathology files of Central Government Medical Laboratories, King Hussein Medical Centre, and Jordan University Hospital. These represent all cases of appendectomy performed in Amman during 1975 to 1979. Incidentally removed appendices were excluded. In each case a miniumum of three hematoxylin-eosinstained sections were reviewed. The polymorphonuclear leukocytic infiltration of the muscularis propria of the appendix was the histological criterion adopted for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.2 Each patient was categorized on the basis of age, sex, and date of operation. A list of the quantity and kind of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the Amman area was obtained from the Statistics Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Jordan.