A research letter, published in JAMA, examined the relationship between colonoscopy and appendicitis.
Marc Basson, MD, PhD, of Grand Forks-based University of North Dakota, and colleagues reviewed administrative data from 392,485 patients from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who underwent a screening colonoscopy.
Researchers sought out CPT codes related to appendicitis. They calculated incidence rate ratios for appendicitis within one week after a colonoscopy and then for the following 51 weeks.
Here's what they found:
1. Appendicitis or appendectomies were coded more frequently a week after a colonoscopy than in the following 51 weeks.
2. When researchers grouped the patients by age, it did not change the finding.
3. Appendectomies did not increase from week two to week four, either.
4. By contrast, appendectomies did not increase a week after any of the following procedures:
- Bronchoscopy
- Knee replacement procedures
- Cataract surgery
- Knee arthroplasty
Dr. Basson said, in an interview with MedicalResearch.com, colonoscopies are still very safe. He said, "This is not a reason not to have a colonoscopy. However, patients who develop persistent right lower abdominal pain after colonoscopy should certainly be aware of this issue and seek medical attention."