Abstract In a series of 120 consecutive cases of acute appendicitis jaundice ensued in 9 (7.5%) after appendicectomy. The jaundice was commonly associated with severe E. coli infection, and may be a hepatoxic effect of this organism. The jaundice was not severe and resolved quite quickly. It tended to occur in the more severely infected cases, but did not seem to increase the morbidity significantly. The recognition of this form of jaundice is important, in order to avoid wrongly suspecting gallbladder disease, infectious hepatitis, or the effects of anaesthetic agents or drugs.