Operative versus non-operative management in the care of patients with complicated appendicitis.

Link to article at PubMed

Related Articles

Operative versus non-operative management in the care of patients with complicated appendicitis.

Am J Surg. 2017 Dec;214(6):1195-1200

Authors: Helling TS, Soltys DF, Seals S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The approach to complicated appendicitis is unclear. We have sought to determine factors which may persuade surgeons to non-operative management and whether such treatment affects outcome.
METHODS: All adult patients admitted over a five-year period 2009-2014 with a diagnosis of appendicitis were reviewed. Patients were grouped into uncomplicated and complicated presentations and stratified by age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and time to presentation. Mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmission, and hospital charges were used as outcome measures.
RESULTS: 611 adult patients were admitted with the diagnosis of appendicitis. Of those 306 patients presented in an uncomplicated manner, and 305 patients were complicated presentations. Selection for non-operative management was significantly correlated with older age and a longer time to presentation. For outcome patients who underwent early surgery experienced a longer LOS (5.8 ± 4.4 days versus 3.4 ± 4.5 days, p < 0.0001), and more readmissions.
CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of patients presenting with complicated appendicitis is preferable to non-operative, antibiotic oriented treatment in reduction of LOS and need for readmissions.

PMID: 28941724 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *