Association between previous appendectomy and cognitive impairment in adults: a case-control study

Silva P.C.; Caballero-Alvarado J.; Reyes-Vega A.; Zavaleta-Corvera C. · Pirogov Russian Journal of Surgery (2024) · DOI: 10.17116/hirurgia202407173

Resumen

Objective. To determine the relationship between appendectomy and cognitive impairment in adults aged 50—70 years. Material and methods. A case-control study was carried out with 270 patients between May and July 2023. Ninety cases (with cognitive impairment) and 180 controls (without impairment), diagnosed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), were assessed. Results. 31.11% of the total cases with cognitive impairment were submitted to an appendectomy, with an average of 25 years since surgery. Regarding other surgeries: 40% with impairment underwent cholecystectomy and 23.33% reported other operations. The analysis revealed significant differences in age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and smoking between the groups. However, there was no significant difference by gender. Logistic regression analysis highlighted that age and past appendectomy were strongly associated with cognitive impairment, with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.20 and 12.91, respectively. Associations were also found with cholecystectomy (OR 7.33), other surgeries (OR 13.39) and smoking (OR 6.91). Conclusion. Appendectomy might be a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment in adults aged 50—70 years.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego