Abstract
Background: Appendicitis, characterised by inflammation of the appendix, is a common surgical
emergency encountered worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on the healthcare system.
Complicated appendicitis refers to cases where the inflammation progresses to perforation,
abscess formation, or other intra-abdominal complications, often requiring more extensive
surgical procedures, increased hospital stays, and heightened resource utilisation. This study aims
to elucidate the factors predisposing to complicated appendicitis to create awareness, ameliorate
its occurrence, and optimise patient outcomes.
Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted. Patients who had appendicectomies between
January 2018 and December 2022 were included in the study. Data were collected and analysed
using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.
Results: Out of the total of 92 participants, 45 (48.9%) were male, and 47 (51.1%) were female.
The male: female ratio was 1:1.04.
The majority of patients (92.4%) were between the ages of 10-39yrs with the highest age category
being 20-29 years (48.9%).
The mean duration of symptoms of patients with complicated cases was 6 days (range: 1 – 21
days). In contrast, participants with uncomplicated cases had a mean of 3 days (range: 8 hours to
8 days).
Complicated cases had an average stay of 9 days (range: 5-19 days). Participants with
uncomplicated cases had a mean duration of 4 days (range: 3-7 days)
Conclusion: Complicated appendicitis exhibits distinct presentation patterns and outcomes. This
study emphasises the importance of early recognition and prompt surgical intervention to reduce
the morbidity and mortality associated with complicated appendicitis.
Keywords: complicated appendicitis, retrospective study, tertiary care institution, southern
Nigeria, diagnostic imaging, surgical management, complications, outcomes.