Abstract
We wished to determine the effect ofappendectomy and tonsillectomy on the subsequent riskfor development of ulcerative colitis (UC). We conducteda case-control study at the University of OklahomaHospital and VA Medical Center gastroenterology clinics,as well as at the offices of private physicians.Subjects being followed for UC formed the study group.Patients being followed at Internal Medicine Associates of the University of Oklahoma clinics formedthe controls. We recorded the patient's name, age, sex,race, history of smoking, and history of appendectomy ortonsillectomy. The study group consisted of 193 patients, and there were 394 controls. Theprevalence of appendectomy was lower (17.8% vs 5.2%)among patients with UC (P < 0.01). The prevalence oftonsillectomy was similar in the two groups (20.6% vs 18.1%; P = NS). We conclude thatappendectomy is associated with a decreased risk forsubsequent development of ulcerative colitis.
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Minocha, A., Raczkowski, C.A. Role of Appendectomy and Tonsillectomy in Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis. Dig Dis Sci 42, 1567–1569 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018847617560
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018847617560