Wound sepsis after cholecystectomy. Influence of incidental appendectomy.

We undertook a prospective study of the effect of incidental appendectomy on the safety of cholecystectomy in patients under the age of 50 years. One hundred twenty patients were randomized to have either cholecystectomy alone or cholecystectomy and appendectomy. All patients received preoperative antibiotic cover. Both groups were well matched for age, sex, obesity, and length of hospital stay. Twelve patients were withdrawn from the trial. Wound infections occurred in three of the 56 patients in the cholecystectomy group (5.3%) and in two of the 52 patients in the cholecystectomy plus appendectomy group (3.8%). Incidental appendectomy is a safe addition to elective cholecystectomy.