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Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the lives and habits of people all over the world. In this study, it was planned to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment duration of acute appendicitis (AA), morbidity and mortality. Methods The data of patients who were operated on with the diagnosis of AA in our clinic between March 2019 and March 2021, divided into pre-COVID and post-COVID periods, were analyzed. Patients diagnosed with AA, who had the only appendectomy perioperatively, and who had complete preoperative blood analysis and radiological imaging data were included in the study. Results The time from the onset of symptoms to the time of admission to the hospital was statistically significantly longer than in the post-COVID group (p=0.04). During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the use of ultrasonography was statistically significantly reduced (p<0.01); computed tomography use increased (p<0.001). Laparoscopic appendectomy as a surgical technique decreased statistically significantly during the pandemic period (p=0.02). Postoperative complications and the postoperative complication severity degrees were not statistically significant between periods (p=0.24, p=0.68). The risk for the occurrence of postoperative complications in COVID-19 positive patients was statistically higher (p=0.01) (OR: 9.38 95% CI: 1.96 - 44.88). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic had caused delays in the admission and diagnosis of patients who might need surgery due to AA. Postoperative complication frequency and complication severity classification were not affected. COVID-19 positivity was a risk factor for complex AA presenting with periappendicular abscess, gangrenous and perforated appendix.

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Spontaneous spleen rupture (SSR) is a fatal and rare pathology causing acute abdomen. SSR secondary to infectious mononucleosis (IM) is quite rare (0.06-0.5%), and it is the most common cause of IM associated death. A 43 years old male patient, who had no previous severe disease history, chronic drug use, or previous operation applied to our emergency outpatient clinic of general surgery. The patient had complaints of severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In abdominal computerized tomography, diffuse free fluid with respectively increased in density (hemorrhage?) was observed. Emergency operation was decided, because patient developed acute peritonitis signs. During exploration in the operation, it was observed that spleen was ruptured at multiple sites, and bleeding was ongoing, and splenectomy was performed. Serology was consistent with the previous EBV infection. It was mentioned in the pathology report that there was no neoplastic infiltration, and infectious causes should be investigated. No problem has been encountered during approximately two years' follow-up. SSR secondary to EMN is a rare, fatal, and very severe pathology. Diagnosis is delayed, or it is not even diagnosed because there is no trauma. Correct diagnosis on time, and decision of emergency surgical intervention can be life-saving.