Incidental pathological findings in patients following appendectomy
Aim
Incidental pathological findings in patients following appendectomy: Analysis of 15.000 appendectomy specimens during a 10-year period in Denmark
The purpose is to investigate whether pathological findings in appendectomy specimens lead to consequences for treatment, and whether this depends on the indication for surgery, macroscopic findings, and patient characteristics. If this is not the case for selected patient groups, routine pathological examination may be omitted in accordance with the “Vælg Klogt” initiative.
Study design
Retrospetive cohort study.
About the project
In the Central Denmark Region, approximately 1,500 appendectomies are performed annually due to appendicitis, polyps, or suspected rare diseases of the appendix. Appendix specimens are routinely sent for pathological evaluation regardless of the indication for surgery and macroscopic findings. The vast majority of pathological examinations of appendectomy specimens reveal no unexpected findings and have no therapeutic consequences for the patients. In rare cases, for example, small neuroendocrine tumors are identified, but these are most often completely removed during surgery and rarely require further treatment. The frequency and clinical significance of these findings remain insufficiently clarified.
