Appendix removal in the elderly

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. The appendix is worm–like appendage that connects to the top of the large intestine. Sometimes, during other abdominal surgeries, surgeons will remove the appendix to prevent it from becoming inflamed or infected in the future. This is considered an incidental appendectomy, or removal of the appendix.

In the elderly, incidental removal of the appendix is not recommended. So a lower rate may indicate that a hospital provides a higher level of patient care.

About this measure

This measure tracks the number of cases of incidental removal of the appendix out of every 100 patients, aged 65 and older, who had an abdominal procedure.

Most Recent Available Data (Number)
  2013 Q3
Northwestern Memorial 0
National Average 1.1
Performance Trend (Number)
Northwestern Memorial 0.7 0.7 0 0.8 0 0.9 0 0
National Average 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.1
Source:Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
Incidental appendectomy in elderly