DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i08.017

Pages: 735-739

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic characteristics of complicated acute appendicitis managed in the surgical emergency department. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023 in the Departments of Medical and Surgical Emergencies and Digestive Surgery at Brazzaville University Hospital. All patients managed for complicated acute appendicitis during the study period were included. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: During the study period, 179 cases of complicated acute appendicitis were identified among 7,365 patients admitted to the surgical emergency department, corresponding to a hospital frequency of 2.43%. There were 135 male patients, giving a male-to-female ratio of 3.06:1. The mean age was 29.42 ± 9.17 years (range: 18–52 years). Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint, localised to the right iliac fossa in 42 patients and generalised to the entire abdomen in 137 patients. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed in three patients and demonstrated matted bowel loops suggestive of an appendiceal phlegmon. Plain abdominal radiography was performed in 32 patients, while abdominopelvic ultrasonography was carried out in 61 patients and identified an appendiceal abscess in 28 cases. Appendicectomy was performed in all patients undergoing laparotomy. The mean operative time was 89.06 ± 22.46 minutes. Conclusion: Complicated acute appendicitis predominantly affected young adult males and was most commonly diagnosed at the stage of generalised peritonitis. Delayed presentation remained frequent, contributing to advanced disease at admission. Open appendicectomy through laparotomy was the standard surgical approach, with generally favourable postoperative outcomes despite a significant rate of wound infection.