Acute appendicitis: an overview.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the changing epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the developed and developing countries and the presumptive reasons. DATA SOURCE: Major published series of the last two decades were reviewed using Medline Search and Index Medicus. The myriad of diagnostic approaches currently employed to reduce the hitherto high rates of negative appendicectomy were examined and current trends of management analysed. CONCLUSION: The treatment modalities of acute appendicitis have undergone tremendous changes in the last decade.