Study of Acute Appendicitis in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Institute

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain requiring emergency surgical admission. Objective: To evaluate the demographic profile, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, management, complications, and outcomes of patients admitted with acute appendicitis in a tertiary care institute. Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted at a tertiary care institute from August 2025 to July 2026. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, clinical findings, laboratory and radiological investigations, operative findings, management, postoperative complications, and hospital stay were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 27.6 ± 10.8 years, and 31 (62.0%) were males. Right lower abdominal pain was present in 47 (94.0%) patients, while right iliac fossa tenderness was observed in 46 (92.0%). Leukocytosis was found in 38 (76.0%) and neutrophilia in 35 (70.0%) patients. Uncomplicated appendicitis was observed in 34 (68.0%) patients, while 16 (32.0%) had complicated appendicitis. Open appendectomy was performed in 48 (96.0%) patients. Conclusion: Acute appendicitis predominantly affected young adults and was more common among males. Most patients presented with right lower abdominal pain and right iliac fossa tenderness and had uncomplicated disease. Older age, fever, rebound tenderness, guarding, and leukocytosis were associated with complicated appendicitis. Early diagnosis and timely surgical management may reduce complications and duration of hospitalization.

Keywords: Acute appendicitis; appendectomy; complicated appendicitis.