Simple and complicated acute appendicitis. Indications for a correct diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective investigation the symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings collected in 2 groups of patients with simple and complicated acute appendicitis, respectively, have been observed in order to give some indication for a correct diagnosis and surgical treatment. METHODS: A total of 103 consecutive patients affected by simple and complicated acute appendicitis submitted to surgical operation have been studied. RESULTS: Data collected show statistically significant differences between clinical presentation of simple and complicated acute appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion is draws in that anamnesis and clinical examination of the patients affected by acute appendicitis are the best indications for an exact diagnosis and to select patients who need an immediate operation.