Seasonal Variation in Cases of Acute Appendicitis Incidence

Introduction: Several acute diseases exhibit a circannual pattern. Acute appendicitis has been reported to be present throughout the year, but some particular months are associated with higher incidences. Several researchers have suggested that the heterogeneous extrinsic factors such as gastrointestinal infection, air pollution and low fiber diet, during summer months could be contribute to the higher incidence of appendicitis. The exact reason why acute appendicitis cases present in summer more than other seasons is still not clear. The identification of the reasons for seasonality may offer the possibilities for preventive measures.

Aim: To examine the global trends in the seasonality of appendicitis.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of existence of seasonal variability in the onset of acute appendicitis.

Materials and Methods: A single-center cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted for cases of appendicitis. The  study  was  conducted  in  the  Department of  General  surgery and  alleged  super  specialities, Vijayanagar Institute  of  Medical Sciences,  Bellary,  Karnataka,  India  from  January 2019  to  December 2021

Results: Patients who were managed conservatively were excluded.  Study was conducted for a period of three years. Among which the incidence acute appendicitis requiring surgical management is more during summer

Conclusion: More cases of appendicitis were noted during summer. Larger numbers over several years are needed to draw better conclusions and reach the possible causes behind such variation.