Patrick Adegun

Perforated Appendicitis in an Urban Community in Nigeria: Factors Influencing the Development and Outcome of Perforated Appendicitis in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria Patrick Adegun

Out of 131 cases of acute appendicitis operated in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria,30 had perforation. The patients were recruited from the University Teaching Hospital and some private Hospitals within the city. Pertinent data about the patients including the operative findings and postoperative course were entered into a proforma for analysis. The results showed that the rate of perforation was 24.8% with a male:female ratio of 1.7:1. Relative Risk(RR) of perforation is highest in the age group 31-40years,apart from extremes of life. RR =2.72 at 95 CI for patients in lower social class compared to upper social class. Late presentation and surgical delay contribute significantly to the development of perforation(p<0.05). outcome of perforation was also influenced by delay between the onset of symptoms and surgery(p<0.05). it is concluded from this study that the development of perforation is influenced by sex of the patient,social class,delay in presentation and treatment and that the outcome of surgery is significantly affected by delay between onset of symptoms and surgery.