epidemiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
- the incidence is 1.9 per 1000 females and 1.5 per 1000 males
- approximately 1 in 7 people will undergo an appendicectomy during their lifetime
- most common below the age of 40 years, particularly between 10 and 30 years. Very rare before the age of 2 years.
- rare in rural areas of underdeveloped countries; emigrants to more developed countries acquire the risk of their new home
- more common within higher social class groups