Differences in Baseline Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes among Early and Late Older Adults Undergoing Emergency Appendicectomy in Qatar

Abstract The clinical presentation and outcomes of acute appendicitis can vary significantly among elderly patients. This study aims to compare the demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics of patients aged 60 to 70 years versus those aged >71 years undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis. A retrospective analysis of 69 patients with acute appendicitis was performed. Patients were categorized into two age groups: Group A, 60 to 70 years (n = 49), early elderly, and Group B, >71 years (n = 20), late elderly group. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, laboratory results, delays in management, and clinical outcomes were compared. Group B, late elderly patients had a greater incidence of malignancy (35% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.01) than group A, early elderly patients, although the prevalence of common comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Symptoms and laboratory findings were comparable between the two groups. However, appendicular rupture was more frequent in the late elderly group (40%) compared with the early group (18.4%), although not statistically significant (p = 0.06). An important finding in our study was the absence of mortality related to surgical complications during the hospital stay in this elderly population. Histopathology confirmed typical appendicitis in most cases, but malignancy was detected in two late elderly patients (p = 0.06). Postoperative complications were significantly higher in the late elderly group (35% vs. 8.16%). The most frequent complications were cardiac events (20%). Acute appendicitis in late elderly patients is associated with a higher incidence of malignancy, rupture, and complications. Early recognition and prompt management are critical to improving outcomes in this vulnerable late elderly population.