Acute appendicitis

Abstract

The appendix was discovered in the 1500s, with the first successful appendectomy being performed in 1735. Throughout the history of medicine, diseases of the appendix have managed to cause confusion among doctors and harm to patients. Morbidity and mortality from appendicitis are improving, but still place a large burden on healthcare. Appendicitis is still one of the commonest surgical emergencies and the aim of this article is to review the incidence, presentation and management of acute appendicitis.

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