[Age distribution and clinical characteristics in acute appendicitis].

The retrospective analysis comprised 986 of 1050 patients operated on for acute appendicitis in the period 1983-1987. Appendicitis was most common in the age group from 11 to 20 years. The perforation frequency was 12.4%. Seventy four percent of patients came to the first medical examination with already perforated appendix. The necessary period of observation is the first 12 hours after onset of troubles. Probable presence of phlegmonous appendicitis is small if 48 hours have passed after initiation of troubles. The frequency of the studied symptoms (nausea, vomiting, temperature, leukocytosis) ranged from 49.4% to 64.8%. The most common postoperative complication is wound infection. The overall mortality rate was 0.1%.