Role of High Altitude in Thrombosis of Appendicular Artery and Pathogenesis of Acute Appendicitis

Objective: To determine the role of high altitude in thrombosis of appendicular artery and pathogenesis of acute appendicitis. Study Design: Cross Sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Forward Treatment Centre, Goma, Pakistan from June 2020 - May 2024. Methodology: A total of 86 patients undergoing open appendectomy at high altitude, were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent open appendectomy. Standard operating procedures were followed. Appendix and mesoappendix were examined and intraoperative findings were recorded. Appendix specimens were sent for histo-pathological examination. Patients who had more than 01 month stay at high altitude at time of development of acute appendicitis were considered as “Exposed” to High Altitude whereas patients with less than 01 month stay at high altitude were considered as “Not Exposed”. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of post operative fever, surgical site infection or organ space infection. Operative time and length of Hospital stay recorded Results: Eighty six patients were included in the study ranging from 18–52 years. There were 17(19.7%) females and 69(80.2%) males. Seventy one (81.3%) were Exposed to high altitude & 16(18.6%) were Not Exposed to High Altitude. The mean total operative time was 47.53±11.46 minutes. The hospital stay ranged from 02 to 05 days. Fecolith was found in 45(52.3%) cases and inflammatory pathology was found in 29(33.7%) cases. Six cases (6.9%) were found to have thrombosis of appendicular artery. Conclusion: Faecolith was the most common cause of acute appendicitis at high altitude. However, Extended exposure of high altitude can incite ....