Appendicitis: A compendium

Appendicitis involves inflammation of the vermiform appendix, which is associated with a systemic inflammatory response in humans. Emergency surgical treatment is often necessary as it is the leading cause of surgery-related mortality. However, correct diagnosis remains a challenge due to variations in symptoms. This study assessed the impact of gender, seasonal variations, and the immunohistochemical expression of the IL 6 and 8 cytokines in patients with appendicitis at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. A total of 313 patients diagnosed with appendicitis and did appendicectomy were enrolled in the research from January 2015 to December 2020. The findings indicate that seasonal changes influence the outcome of appendicitis, with a statistically significant rise in cases reported during summer in comparison to winter. Among the studied subjects, females constituted a higher percentage than males, making up 56.9% (n=178) while males represented 43.1% (n = 135). Interleukins 6 and 8 were markedly expressed in appendix tissues regardless of age, gender, or season.

Autorentext

The author is a lecturer/researcher in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, West Africa. His areas of research include: immuno/molecular pathology, histopathology/cytopathology and oncology.