[Appendicitis in the aged (author's transl)].

In cases of partially uncharacteristic clinical symptoms with no typical leukocytosis and no ESR elevation, laparotomy reveals not seldom an acute phlegmonous appendix. As compared with the similar disease in younger people appendicitis of the aged presents more complications and a higher mortality rate which can partially explained by clinically meaningful secondary findings and a lesser degree of peritoneal inflammation. The mortality rate of appendicitis in the aged could be markedly reduced. This may be attributed to emergency operation of clinically diagnosed appendicitis in the aged, to improve anaesthetic technique, to infusion therapy and parenteral feeding and last not least postoperative administering of antibiotics.