ABSTRACT

Aim:

In this study we were investigated clinical specifications of over 60 year-old patients who were undergone to appendectomy retrospectively.

Methods:

Over 60 year-old patients who were operated with suspected acute appendicitis between 1997-2005 included retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to their preoperative Alvarado score, physical examination signs, histopathological reports, hospital stay and complications after operation.

Results:

Thirty-four (42.5%) pateints were female, forty-six (57.5%) male and the average age was 63.4 (range, 60-70) year. Fifty-one patients (63.7%) Alvarado score were detected 7 or high, 29 (36.3%) patients were 6 or less. On histopathological findings in 5 (6.25%) patients normal, 32 (40%) patients acute appendicitis, 40 (50%) patients acute supurative appendicitis, 2 (2.5%) patients gangrenous appendicitis, 1 (2.5%) patient adeno carcinoma were detected. The average hospital stay was 8 (range,2-28) days. After operation, in 8 patients (10%) superficial wound infection, 4 patients (5%) prolonged ileus, 1 (1.25%) patient necrotizing faciitis in 6th postoperative-day were detected. One (1.25%) patient were missed pulmonary embolism after deep venous thrombosis.

Conclusion:

The risk of acute appendicitis dropped in elderly population but clinical presentation, difference of physical examination findings in over 60 year-old patients, the clinician should be careful during their diagnosis period.