The Incidence of Negative Appendectomy in a Teaching Hospital in Jordan, a Universal Concern

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis is considered as one of the most common abdominal conditions requiring surgical intervention. The appendectomy, like most surgical procedures, has its own complications and therefore should only be done when indicated. Case series have reported the incidence of negative appendectomy in many different parts of the world including western nations. A high rate of negative appendectomy is unacceptable. At the same time, surgeons should aim to prevent perforation at all costs. For this reason, considerable efforts are now being made to improve diagnostic accuracy and prevent unnecessary appendectomies.Methods: All case files of patients who underwent appendectomies at Al-Karak Teaching Hospital in Jordan between January 2014 and December 2015 were reviewed. Demographic data, symptoms, signs on presentation, intra-operative findings, and histological reports on the excised vermiform appendixes were extracted from the case files and analyzed.Results: The incidence of negative appendectomy in our study was 18% with no difference in incidence between genders.Conclusion: The incidence of negative appendectomy observed at Al-Karak Teaching Hospital is near or around that reported by most studies. This alarming figure clearly indicates the need for accurate diagnostic procedures to confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Further studies and evaluations are warranted.