Back to Annual Meeting Program

Objective: The role of interval appendectomy after conservative management of perforated appendicitis remains controversial. Determining the etiology of perforated appendicitis is one reason to perform interval appendectomies. This study hypothesizes that there is an increased rate of neoplasm in patients undergoing interval appendectomy.
Design: This is a retrospective review of all patients over 18 years of age who underwent appendectomy for presumed appendicits from 1/2006-12/2010 in a single, tertiary care institution. Patients with underlying neoplasm as the cause of presentation were identified. Demographic data, clinico-pathologic characteristics, interval resection rate, and complication data were collected and analyzed.
Setting: Tertiary care hospital
Patients: Retrospective chart review, no direct patient interaction for this study
Interventions: N/A
Main Outcome Measure: Incidence of appendiceal neoplasm, morbidity
Results: During the study period, 376 patients underwent appendectomy. The mean age was 41 years (range 18 to 94). Interval appendectomy was performed in 18 patients (5.0%) (age 28 to 74). Neoplasms were identified in 14 patients (3.7 %); 6 were found in patients who had undergone interval appendectomy (33%). Nine were mucinous tumors (69.2%), 5 of which were associated with interval appendectomies. Neoplasms were identified in 8.3% of patients between 35 and 55 years old.
Conclusions: Mucinous neoplasms of the appendix were found in 33% of patients undergoing interval appendectomy. Interval appendectomies should be considered in all patients 35 years and older due to increased risk of appendiceal neoplasm.