Audit to evaluate the clinical presentation and surgical management of acute appendicitis at a secondary-level hospital in the Western Cape

Delayed presentation was significantly associated with a higher risk of perforated appendicitis and greater operative complexity. Patients referred from district hospitals experienced higher rates of perforation likely due to delays in recognition, referral, and access to surgical care. Improving early diagnosis and streamlining referral pathways may reduce the incidence of complicated appendicitis and improve patient outcomes in our region.