Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Role of Appendectomy in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Aim. Given the potential for physiological alterations in the gastrointestinal tract following appendix removal, which may influence carcinogenesis, we embarked on a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the possible association between appendectomy and the subsequent risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods. Our systematic investigation utilized sources including the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science, covering research up to February 1, 2023. We assessed the impact of appendectomy on colorectal cancer, employing a random effects model to calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) for developing CRC post-appendectomy and its 95 % confidence interval (CI).Results. This review and meta-analysis incorporated a total of 10 studies, comprising 1,001,693 cases of appendectomy and 39,463 instances of CRC. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled HR of 1.04 (95 % CI: 1.0–1.08) for developing CRC following appendectomy. Notably, the HR for CRC development increased to 1.20 (95 % CI: 0.69–1.69) when considering only cases with more than 10 years of follow-up.Conclusion. The findings indicate a marginally increased risk of colorectal cancer in cases without a specified follow-up period. However, this elevated risk did not persist over the long term (exceeding 10 years). The heterogeneity of the included studies appears to have influenced our results. Nevertheless, it is advisable for physicians to weigh the potential benefits of alternative therapies and consider the future complications that may arise from an unnecessary appendectomy.

Keywords

• colorectal cancer
• appendectomy
• colon cancer