The influence of advanced radiographic imaging on the treatment of pediatric appendicitis

Purpose

Since 1998, the use of advanced radiographic imaging with computed tomography (CT) and/or diagnostic ultrasound (US) has increased dramatically for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. This study investigates the impact of this imaging on the evaluation, management, and outcome of pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis.

Methods

Retrospective review of 197 consecutive children with a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis, from January 2002 through May 2004, undergoing appendectomy at a university-affiliated community hospital by pediatric and general surgeons.

Results

Patients were divided into two groups: imaged (n = 106; 54%) and nonimaged (n = 91; 46%). Groups were similar with respect to age, sex, temperature, white blood count, and insurance status. Ninety-seven imaged patients had CT, 6 had US, and 3 had both CT and US. Seventy-one percent of imaging studies were ordered by emergency department physicians and 24% by treating surgeons. Average wait from emergency department triage to operative incision for the imaged and nonimaged groups was 12.1 and 5.4 hours, respectively (P < .0001). Both groups had similar perforation rates (imaged: 15.1%, nonimaged: 14.6%). Negative appendectomy rates were 10.4% (imaged) and 4.4% (nonimaged). Average hospital charges were $11,791 (imaged) and $9360 (nonimaged) (P = .001). Time on antibiotics, complication rates, and length of stay were similar for both groups.

Conclusions

More than half of pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis now undergo advanced imaging and experience a significant delay in surgical treatment with a 26% increase in hospital charges and no clear-cut improvement in diagnostic accuracy nor outcome, when compared with evaluation by the treating surgeons.     

Implications of laparoscopy on surgery residency training

Background

With the advent of laparoscopy, many traditional junior-level cases now require advanced laparoscopic skill. We sought to ascertain the implications of laparoscopy on residency training through the use of a large national database.

Methods

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data were gathered for patients undergoing elective open and laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy, appendectomy, and partial colectomy during 2005 and 2006. Cases were stratified by resident level and compared using univariate analysis.

Results

A total of 14,729 cases were performed during the study period. For inguinal hernia repair, 72% of open repairs were performed by postgraduate year 3 residents or below versus 41% of laparoscopic repairs (P < .0001). Similarly, 61% of open appendectomies were performed by postgraduate year 3 residents or below compared with 48% of laparoscopic appendectomies (P < .0001). Forty-six percent of open colectomies were performed by postgraduate year 3 and postgraduate year 4 residents versus 33% of laparoscopic resections (P < .0001).

Conclusions

These data show an upward shift in cases traditionally performed by junior-level residents. The implications of this shift are unknown but may lead to decreased surgical experience during the early years of training.     

Management of pediatric blunt splenic injuries in Canada—practices and opinions

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the self-reported practice patterns of Canadian general surgeons (GSs) and pediatric general surgeons (PGSs) in treating blunt splenic injuries (BSIs) in children.

Methods

Forty-five PGSs and 690 GSs were surveyed (internet and hard copy). χ² was used to compare groups; logistic regression was performed to determine independent factors influencing management variables.

Results

Thirty-three PGSs and 191 GSs completed the survey, for a response rate of 30%. Pediatric general surgeons are more likely than GSs to follow American Pediatric Surgical Association guidelines (52% vs 11%; P < .0001). In diagnosing BSIs, PGSs and GSs are equally likely to use computed tomography (CT) over ultrasound for initial imaging. Pediatric general surgeons are less likely to consider CT injury grade in deciding on nonoperative management (NOM) (odds ratio [OR], 0.2; confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.5; P = .002) and are more likely to continue NOM for patients with contrast blush on CT (OR, 6.5; CI, 2.5-17; P = .0002). Pediatric general surgeons report more selective intensive care unit use, hospital stay, follow-up imaging, and activity restrictions. No differences were found in the management of splenic artery pseudoaneurysms.

Conclusion

Differences exist between PGSs and GSs in the management of pediatric BSIs, resulting in higher operative rates, use of resources, and radiation exposure. Further education of GSs in NOM and establishment of management guidelines are indicated.     

Residency training in pyloromyotomy: a survey of 331 pediatric surgeons

Purpose

Both pediatric and general surgeons perform pyloromyotomy. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LAP), and changes in referral patterns have affected the training of pediatric surgery fellows and general surgery residents. We surveyed pediatric surgeons regarding these issues.

Methods

We mailed an Institutional Review Board of New Hanover Regional Medical Center-approved survey to 701 members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association within the United States to determine each surgeon's preferred technique for pyloromyotomy (LAP vs Ramstedt or transumbilical procedures [OPEN]), practice setting, involvement with trainees, and opinions regarding pyloromyotomy. Significance was determined using χ² analyses.

Results

A total of 331 (48%) surgeons responded: 197 (60%) performed most or all OPEN, and 85 (26%), most or all LAP. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was more likely in academic practices and children's hospitals (P < .05). Residents under surgeons performing LAP were less likely to participate (58% vs 91%; P < .05) or gain competence (22% vs 42%; P < .5). Only 34% of surgeons performing LAP believed that general surgery residents should learn pyloromyotomy, whereas 67% of surgeons performing OPEN believed that residents should learn the procedure (P < .05). A total of 307 (93%) surgeons believed at least 4 OPEN were necessary to become competent, but 126 (44%) reported that their residents performed fewer than 4. Only 104 (31%) surgeons believed that their residents were competent in pyloromyotomy. There were 303 (92%) surgeons who believed that pyloromyotomy should be performed only by pediatric surgeons when possible.

Conclusions

Most general surgical residents are not learning pyloromyotomy, in part because of the adoption of laparoscopic technique, limited operative experience, and the opinion of most pediatric surgeons that the procedure should be performed only by pediatric surgeons.     

CT scans may not reduce the negative appendectomy rate in children

Background/purpose

Concern about an increased lifetime risk of cancer in children who have undergone a single computed tomography (CT) scan prompted us to review utilization of this diagnostic test in our appendicitis population.

Methods

From 1998 to 2001, the records of 720 children admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis were reviewed for adjunct diagnostic modalities, including ultrasonography (USG) and CT scanning. Negative appendectomy rates were determined by the final pathologic report. Statistical comparisons were made using the χ² test, and significance was assigned at P < .05.

Results

The use of ultrasound scan for diagnosing appendicitis decreased from 20.0% in 1998 to 7.0% in 2001 (P < .01). Conversely, the use of CT scans increased from 17.6% in 1998 to 51.3% in 2001 (P < .001). During this time period the difference in the negative appendectomy rate was not statistically significant (P < 0.20). Of the negative appendectomies, 11 of these patients had a USG interpreted as positive for appendicitis (22.0%), and 9 had a CT scan interpreted as positive (18.0%).

Conclusions

Liberal use of CT scans in diagnosing appendicitis in children has not resulted in a decreased negative appendectomy rate. Potentially harmful radiation exposure should prompt pediatric surgeons to reevaluate the role of CT scanning in the management of children with suspected appendicitis.     

Toward effective pediatric minimally invasive surgical simulation

Background/Purpose

Simulation is increasingly being recognized as an important tool in the training and evaluation of surgeons. Currently, there is no simulator that is specific to pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A fundamental technical difference between adult and pediatric MIS is the degree of motion scaling. Smaller instruments and areas of dissection under greater optical magnification require finer, more precise hand movements. We hypothesized that this can be used to detect differences in skills proficiency between pediatric and general surgeons.

Methods

We programmed a virtual reality simulation of intracorporeal suturing with modes that used motion scaling to mimic conditions of either adult or pediatric MIS. The participants consisted of pediatric and general surgeons who wore motion-sensing gloves. Metrics included time elapsed, penetration errors, tool movement smoothness, hand movement smoothness, and gesture level proficiency.

Results

For all measures, pediatric surgeons demonstrated superior proficiency on exercises conducted in pediatric conditions (P < .05). Performance in adult conditions was similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Pediatric surgeons possess unique skills compared with general surgeons that relate to the technical challenges they routinely face, reinforcing the need for a surgical simulator specific to pediatric MIS. This validates our simulator and the manipulation of motion scaling as a useful training tool.     

Effect of subspecialty training and volume on outcome after pediatric inguinal hernia repair

Background/Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common operation performed in children. The aim of this study was to determine if there are any differences in outcome when this procedure is performed by subspecialist pediatric surgeons when compared with general surgeons.

Methods

All pediatric inguinal hernias repaired in the province of Ontario between 1993 and 2000 were reviewed using a population-based database. Children with complex medical conditions or prematurity were excluded. Cases done by general surgeons were compared with those done by pediatric surgeons. The χ² test was used for nominal data and the Student's t test was used for continuous variables. Probabilities were calculated based on a logistic regression model.

Results

Of 20,545 eligible hernia repairs, 50.3% were performed by pediatric surgeons and 49.7% were performed by general surgeons. Pediatric surgeons operated on 62.4% of children younger than 2 years, 51.8% of children aged 26 years, and 37% of children older than 7 years. Duration of operation, length of hospital stay, and incidence of early postoperative complications were similar among pediatric and general surgeons. The rate of recurrent inguinal hernia was higher in the general surgeon group compared with pediatric surgeons (1.10% vs 0.45%, P < .001). Among pediatric surgeons, the estimated risk of hernia recurrence was independent of surgical volume. There was a significant inverse correlation between surgeon volume and recurrence risk among general surgeons, with the highest volume general surgeons achieving recurrence rates similar to pediatric surgeons.

Conclusions

Pediatric surgeons have a lower rate of recurrence after inguinal hernia repair in children. General surgeons with high volumes have similar outcomes to pediatric surgeons.     

Comparison of pediatric appendicitis outcomes between teaching and nonteaching hospitals

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the outcomes of pediatric appendicitis between a teaching and nonteaching institution.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients younger than 18 years treated for appendicitis between 1998 and 2007 was performed. The teaching institution has its own general surgery residency program, and the nonteaching institution has no surgical resident involvement. Both hospitals are part of a larger system and were similar except for resident involvement. Study outcomes included postoperative morbidity and length of hospitalization (LOH). Patients with perforated appendicitis treated nonoperatively were excluded. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and χ² analysis with P < .01 considered significant.

Results

Seven hundred ninety-two patients were treated at the teaching institution (mean age, 10.9 years; 62% male) and 1670 at the nonteaching institution (mean age, 11 years; 61% male). The perforated appendicitis rate was 31% at the teaching institution and 26% at the nonteaching institution (P = .008). Forty-five patients at the teaching institution and 14 at the nonteaching institution with perforated appendicitis were treated nonoperatively and excluded. For nonperforated appendicitis, despite similar rates of postoperative wound infection, abscess drainage, and readmission within 30 days between the 2 institutions, LOH was shorter in the teaching institution (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 1.8 ± 1.4 days; P < .0001). For perforated appendicitis, LOH and rates of wound infection, abscess drainage, and readmission within 30 days were similar between the 2 institutions.

Conclusions

Children with nonperforated appendicitis cared for at a teaching institution had similar postoperative morbidity and shorter LOH compared to a nonteaching institution. In patients with perforated appendicitis, postoperative morbidity and LOH were similar between teaching and nonteaching institutions. Overall, the presence of surgical trainees did not adversely impact on the quality of care for children with appendicitis.     

Lack of consensus among Canadian pediatric surgeons regarding the management of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

Purpose

Review of the literature suggests that there is lack of consensus regarding the management of antenatally diagnosed congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) that is asymptomatic at birth. This study aims to describe the variability among Canadian pediatric surgeons in how this pathologic finding is managed.

Methods

Surveys were sent to all practicing Canadian members of Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons. Responders were asked to state whether they recommend resection or nonoperative management and to describe the follow-up imaging type and frequency used.

Results

A 69% response rate was obtained. There was no consistency regarding the imaging modality used to detect asymptomatic CCAM. Sixty-seven percent of responders recommend resection of persistent but asymptomatic CCAM; there was neither consensus with regard to age at which resection is performed (2-18 months) nor technical considerations at resection (61% open, 83% lobectomy). Among the responders who do not recommend resection, the frequency of follow-up was variable (every 3 months to every year), as were the imaging modality used and the length of follow-up (3 years to indefinitely); 80% of neonates in whom nonoperative management was recommended initially ultimately underwent resection.

Conclusions

Lack of consensus among Canadian pediatric surgeons, and even within institutions, regarding the management of antenatally diagnosed CCAM in the asymptomatic neonate, is demonstrated. This clearly highlights the need for prospective studies.     

The impact of managing moderately injured pediatric trauma patients without immediate surgeon presence

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of “minor resuscitation” trauma patients managed without the immediate presence of a surgeon.

Methods

In 2003, our hospital replaced surgeons with pediatric emergency medicine physicians for level 2 (minor resuscitation) trauma alerts, whereas the level 1 (major resuscitation) alerts remained surgeon directed. We compared patients treated in the 3 years before (period 1) and after (period 2) this change. Patient records were analyzed for discharges, alert upgrades, Injury Severity Score (ISS), time to destination, and mortality.

Results

There were 918 admissions and 93 discharges in period 1 compared with 815 admissions and 652 discharges in period 2. In period 1, 3% were upgraded to level 1 status compared with 9% in period 2 (P < .0001). The mean ISS of admitted patients and the percentage of critical (ISS >15) patients were greater in period 2 (P < .001). The time to inpatient floor was longer in period 2, but the elapsed times to operating room and to pediatric intensive care unit were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Pediatric emergency medicine physicians discharged more patients than the surgeons, but also upgraded more to level 1 status. Level 2 trauma patients can be safely managed without immediate surgeon presence.     

Pediatric surgery workforce: population and economic issues

Background

Whether a shortage of pediatric surgeons exists in the United States, such as those observed in the total physician and general surgical workforces, is an important issue that will affect decisions regarding training, credentialing, and reimbursement. Our goal was to update information regarding the demand and supply of pediatric surgeons.

Methods

Online American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) membership directory gave numbers of pediatric surgeons and their residence by metropolitan statistical areas (MSA), defined by the US census. Population and economic data were obtained from appropriate US government agencies.

Results

There were 835 APSA members and 375 MSA. Eliminated were 86 MSA (with 12 APSA members) with incomplete data, 14 MSA (0 members) with populations less than 100,000, and 25 members with listed locations outside an MSA. The remaining 798 members and 275 MSA comprised the study. The number of APSA members in an MSA correlated closely with MSA population (R² = 0.836) and 2006 births (R² = 0.767). Metropolitan statistical areas without an APSA member had a smaller population and birth rate than those with one or more members (P = .0001). An MSA with 1 APSA member had a higher population (P = .0003) and births per APSA member ratios (P = .0014) than MSA with 2 and 3 or more members. The presence of a medical school or a pediatric training program had no effect on population or births-to-APSA member ratios. There was no correlation between numbers of APSA members and state GDP or state GDP per capita. We used a low, medium, and high threshold to predict the need for pediatric surgeons based upon population per APSA member ± 1 SD (272,466 ± 163,386) to predict a need of 82 to 1344 pediatric surgeons, an increase in the APSA membership by 10% to 168%.

Conclusion

Based on population estimates and APSA membership, a current shortage of pediatric surgeons exists. Measures should be taken to address this workforce issue.     

Recent trends in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric surgery

Aims

The use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in children is poorly characterized. The aims of this study were to examine (1) trends in the use of AP for commonly performed operations, (2) appropriateness in the context of available guidelines, and (3) adverse events potentially attributable to AP.

Methods

We conducted a 5-year retrospective analysis of 22 children's hospitals (January 2005-March 2009) for all patients younger than 18 years who underwent 1 of the 40 commonly performed general and urological procedures. Indications for AP were defined by published specialty-specific guidelines. Clostridium difficile infection and surrogate events for drug allergy (diphenhydramine and epinephrine administrations) were examined as potential antibiotic-associated adverse events.

Results

Procedures of 246,316 were identified, of which 25% met criteria for AP. Eighty-two percent of the children received antibiotics during procedures when AP was indicated (range, 60%-96% by hospital), and 40% of the patients received antibiotics when there was no indication (range, 10%-83%). The likelihood of receiving AP was significantly different between hospitals for all procedures examined (P < .0001 for each procedure). Adverse events were significantly more frequent in children receiving AP than in those who did not (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] C difficile: 18.8 [6.9-51.5], P < .0001; epinephrine: 1.8 [1.7-2.0], P < .0001; diphenhydramine: 6.0 [5.6-6.5], P < .0001).

Conclusions

Significant variation exists in the use of AP in the pediatric surgical population. Many children do not receive AP when indicated, and an even greater proportion may receive antibiotics when there is no indication. These findings may have profound implications from a public health perspective when extrapolated to all children undergoing surgical procedures.     

Cadaveric assessment of a new guidewire insertion device for volar percutaneous fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fracture

Purpose

Volar percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) of acute nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures allows early mobilisation of the wrist and a faster return to work than prolonged cast immobilisation. Usually, placement of the wire which guides the definitive canulated screw is performed by hand. Nevertheless, correct placement of this wire is technically difficult. We designed a guidewire insertion device (GID) to facilitate this placement.

Methods

We compared the hand held technique with the technique using the GID in a cadaveric study. The hand held technique was performed on 16 scaphoids and the GID was used in 16 other scaphoids. The four participating surgeons were divided into two groups: two experienced surgeons and two inexperienced surgeons.

Results

The GID significantly decreased procedure duration (P < 0.001), number of attempts to place the wire (P < 0.001), and number of image-intensifier shots (P < 0.001). With both techniques, experienced surgeons were significantly faster (P = 0.0083) and required significantly fewer attempts (P = 0.043) than inexperienced surgeons. Using the GID, the procedure duration (P = 0.0039) and the number of image-intensifier shots (P < 0.001) decreased more with inexperienced surgeons than with experienced surgeons. As for the number of attempts, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.32).

Conclusions

The GID decreased the time and radiation exposure needed to achieve correct volar percutaneous wire placement in the scaphoid, compared to the conventional hand held technique. Easier wire placement may lead surgeons to use PSF instead of prolonged cast immobilisation for treating nondisplaced scaphoid fractures.     

Appendicitis in children: a comparative study between a specialist paediatric centre and a district general hospital

Purpose

The study aimed to compare paediatric appendicectomy practice in a specialist paediatric centre (SPC) with a district general hospital (DGH).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children younger than 16 years treated between January 1, 2005, and September 30, 2007.

Results

Two hundred seven patients (SPC) and 264 (DGH) had an operation for suspected appendicitis. Thirty-one percent of SPC patients were female vs 41% in the DGH (P = .03). Median age (range) was 10.3 years (1.2-15.9 years) in the SPC and 11.8 (3.3-16.0 years) in the DGH (P ≤ .0001). The negative appendicectomy rate was 4% at the SPC and 20% at the DGH (P ≤ .0001). Perforated appendicitis was found in 37% of children at the SPC compared with only 18% at the DGH (P ≤ .0001). Median (range) length of stay was 5 days at the SPC (1-21 days) compared with 2 days at the DGH (1-21 days) (P ≤ .0001).

Conclusion

Our findings have important implications for local practice in our 2 centres but may also have wider implications for the national organisation of the surgical care of children and for the training of general surgeons.     

Femoral nailing during serum bicarbonate-defined hypo-perfusion predicts pulmonary organ dysfunction in multi-system trauma patients

Objective

To assess the value of venous serum bicarbonate as an endpoint of resuscitation and guide to timing of femoral nailing in multi-system trauma patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic Level 1 Trauma Centre.

Patients

Seventy-two consecutive adult multi-system trauma patients (Injury Severity Score ≥ 15) with femoral shaft fracture (Orthopaedic Trauma Association Class 32-A to 32-C) treated with reamed medullary nail fixation.

Intervention

Femoral nailing in the setting of hypo-perfusion defined by venous serum bicarbonate (SB). Threshold values of SB were determined first by correlating SB and simultaneously drawn arterial base deficit (BD). Then, corresponding values of SB to previously defined thresholds of hypo-perfusion based on BD were identified using regression analysis.

Main outcome measurement

Pulmonary organ dysfunction (POD) component of the Denver Multiple Organ Failure scoring system.

Results

Simultaneous admission SB and BD values were correlated (r = −0.43, p = 0.001). Adjusting for age, ISS and baseline POD, patients with SB < 24.7 mequiv./L within 6 h of treatment had a 12-fold increase in POD (OR 12.2, 95% CI 1.5-98.6, p = 0.019). This association was diminished, but still significant with hypo-perfusion present within 12 h prior to treatment (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.0-29.1, p = 0.042) and 24 h prior to treatment (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.1-30.7, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Medullary fixation of femoral shaft fracture in the setting of serum bicarbonate-defined hypo-perfusion is associated with increased morbidity. Appropriate damage-control measures and aggressive resuscitation prior to definitive fracture care are advised and physiologic markers such as serum bicarbonate should guide clinical decision making rather than temporal distinctions.     

Preincisional local infiltration of tramadol at the trocar site versus intravenous tramadol for pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Study Objective

To compare the effects of preoperative intravenous (IV) tramadol and preoperative tramadol infiltration of trocar sites on postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Design

Prospective, randomized study.

Setting

Operating room, recovery room, and surgical ward.

Patients

70 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients, aged 20-70 years, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Interventions

In Group I, patients received IV 2.0 mg/kg of tramadol; in Group II, trocar insertion points were infiltrated with 2.0 mg/kg of tramadol in 20 mL of 0.9% NaCl.

Measurements

Pain scores, sedation scores, postoperative analgesic requirement, and PONV were recorded at 0 and 30 minutes and one, three, 6, 12, and 24 hours. At 30 minutes and one hour, pain localization (incisional or diffuse abdominal) was also recorded.

Main Results

Visual analog scale scores at 30 minutes were significantly lower in Group II [3 (0-7)] than Group I [6 (3-8)] (P < 0.001). In Group I, 91.4% of patients received sodium diclofenac, while 68.6% of Group II patients received sodium diclofenac (P = 0.002). The time to first analgesic requirement was significantly lower in Group II (P = 0.004). At the 30-minute measurement time, a significant difference was recorded between the groups in incisional pain (P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference between groups in the frequency of PONV.

Conclusions

Trocar site infiltration of tramadol improves early postoperative pain and decreases PONV.     

Pediatric appendicitis in New England: epidemiology and outcomes

Background

Acute appendicitis is among the most common indications for surgery in children in the Western world. The epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the United States has not been recently analyzed in a population-based cohort study.

Methods

Here, we describe the epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the pediatric population in New England from 2000 to 2006.

Results

Our results show that there is clustering of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis by hospital catchment area (Moran I index 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The overall incidence of nonperforated appendicitis decreased over our study period by 9.7% (P < .05), the proportion of perforated appendicitis did not change significantly over our study period, and there was a 38% decrease in the proportion of negative appendectomies (P < .05).

Conclusions

There were trends toward increased operative volume for pediatric surgeons as well as sharp increases in the use of laparoscopy and early discharge with home health services. Our results demonstrate that the epidemiology, outcomes, and trends in treatment of acute appendicitis continue to change.     

Comparison of childhood appendicitis management in the regional paediatric surgery unit and the district general hospital

Background/Purpose

Ongoing debate surrounds the future provision of general paediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for childhood appendicitis managed in a district general hospital (DGH) and a regional paediatric surgical unit (RU).

Methods

Data collected retrospectively for a 2-year period in a DGH were compared with data collected prospectively for 1 year in an RU, where appendicitis management is guided by a care pathway. Children aged 6 to 15 years were included.

Results

Four hundred and two patients were included (DGH ,196; RU, 206). There were more cases of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis in the RU (P < .0001). In the DGH, fewer patients received preoperative antibiotics (P < .0001) or underwent preoperative pain scoring (P < .0001). When adjusted for case mix, the relative risk of complications for a child managed at the DGH was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.44-2.16; P < .0001) and that of readmission was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.43-2.16; P < .0001) when compared with the RU.

Conclusions

Patients with appendicitis managed in the DGH had a higher risk of complications and readmission. However, this appears to be related to the use of a care pathway at the RU. Introduction of a care pathway in the DGH may improve outcomes and thus support the ongoing provision of general paediatric surgery.     

Postoperative bowel obstruction after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in children: a 15-year experience

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine and evaluate the incidence of postoperative bowel obstruction (PBO) after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in children.

Material and Methods

The medical files of children who have undergone an appendectomy, either via the laparoscopic or open approach, at our department from 1992 until 2007 were reviewed. Collected data included age at appendectomy, initial surgical approach, time interval to PBO, and type of definitive treatment. The incidences of PBO after laparoscopic and open appendectomy were compared with the χ² analysis.

Results

From the 1684 children who were found, 1371 had nonperforated appendicitis and 313 had perforated appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 954 patients of the nonperforated group and in 221 of the perforated group. Open appendectomy was performed in 417 and 92 patients of the 2 groups, respectively. Overall, the incidence of PBO development was 2.2%. In the laparoscopic appendectomy population, a significantly low incidence of 1.19% of PBO development was detected, compared with the 4.51% of the open appendectomy group (P < .0001).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendectomy diminishes the potential of PBO development. The overall incidence of PBO is not related to the severity of the disease but only to the initial operative approach.