The role of appendicectomy in the subsequent development of inflammatory bowel disease: a UK-based study.

Background: Several studies have shown an inverse relationship between appendicectomy and subsequent development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although these findings remain contentious. This study aims to further elucidate the role appendicitis/appendicectomy has in the development of IBD.

Method: All patients undergoing appendicectomy at Hereford County Hospital between 1986 and 2005 were identified from pathology records.