The Changing Spectrum of Acute Appendicitis in Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Bamidele Johnson Alegbeleye

Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital, Shisong, P.O Box 8, Kumbo- Nso, Northwestern Region, Cameroon

Dr. Bamidele Johnson Alegbeleye, Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital, Shisong, P.O Box 8, Kumbo- Nso, Northwestern Region, Cameroon.

Keywords: Appendicitis; Appendicectomy; Laparoscopy; Outcomes; Health Insurance; Nigeria

Abstract

Background
Appendicitis is one of the leading causes of general surgical emergency admission worldwide. Available clinical research has produced conflicting reports about best practice, delivery and, a possible variation in outcome in the sub-Saharan Africa. Accordingly, the disease represents an important burden on modern health systems with severe emerging atypical presentations. So far, there has not been any systematic review of the literature on appendicitis research in Nigeria.
Aim
To examine the literature critically for possible changes in the pattern of appendicitis and to determine the impact of emerging atypical presentations in contemporary Nigerian settings.
Method
Published articles discussing appendicitis in Nigeria up to November 2019 were obtained for review from Medline search, medical libraries, and Google.

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