The mortality rate for appendicitis is three to four times higher in the Federal Republic of Germany than in any other country. The appendectomy rate among local sick-fund insured persons, in the Federal Army, and among the population of the city of Hannover, is two to three times higher in Germany than in other comparable countries. The incidence is three times higher in white collar workers than in blue collar workers. The appendectomy rate varies from one residential area of the city to another. While seasonal variations in incidence are very small, there are considerable differences between the days of the week. While the patient who has an appendectomy in the Federal Republic of Germany stays in the hospital almost twice as long, the total sick leave is slightly shorter than in the United States.