[Acute appendicitis]

Abstract

The appendectomy rate in the Federal Republic of Germany has decreased considerably over the past 20 years; in Hannover it has declined by 50%. The number of patients not undergoing operations after hospitalization has increased from 20% to about 65%. Mortality has decreased by 80%, now reaching 0.7 for 100,000 of the population. More than 80% of the deceased are over 65 years old. The main cause of death is advanced appendicitis including perforation. In the North German Patient Appeal Office 10% of all complaints in general surgery concern appendicitis, mostly because of delayed diagnosis. A considerable number of appendectomies is carried out simultaneously in gynecological operations.