FREQUENCY OF APPENDIX PERFORATION IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ACUTE APPENDICITIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.141Keywords:
Acute Appendicitis, Appendix Perforation, Risk Factors, Diabetes, Hypertension, UltrasonographyAbstract
Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide, with appendix perforation being a major complication that increases morbidity and mortality. Identifying the frequency and risk factors associated with perforation is essential for early intervention and improved patient outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of appendix perforation in patients presenting with acute appendicitis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The Department of Surgery, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital in Swat, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 09-March-2024 to 09-September-2024. Methods: A total of 169 patients aged 18–60 years with ultrasound-confirmed acute appendicitis were included. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonographic findings, including wall thickening (>3 mm), hyperechoic appendicolith, echogenic periappendiceal fat, and appendix diameter >6 mm. Appendix perforation was diagnosed using predefined ultrasonographic criteria, including appendix diameter >6 mm, wall thickness ≥3 mm, and evidence of peritoneal spillage. Clinical data, including age, hypertension status, and diabetes status, were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the frequency and associated risk factors. Results: The mean age of patients was 33.20 ± 11.72 years. Among them, 99 (58.6%) were males and 70 (41.4%) were females. The frequency of appendix perforation was 16.6%. Higher age, hypertension, and diabetes showed a significant association with appendix perforation. Conclusion: Appendix perforation occurred in 16.6% of patients with acute appendicitis in our study, with older age and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes emerging as key associated factors. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are critical to reducing complications.
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