Prompt or delayed appendectomy? Influence of timing of surgery for acute appendicitis

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes and histological findings in prompt and delayed appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

Methods

All patients who underwent appendectomy for histologically confirmed acute appendicitis from 2003 to 2009 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to the time of surgery after hospital admission: The early appendectomy (EA) group underwent surgery within 12 h, the early-delayed appendectomy (EDA) group between 12 and 24 h and the delayed appendectomy (DA) group more than 24 h. The perioperative data and pathological state of the appendix were evaluated and compared.

Results

A total of 723 patients, with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis, were included in the study: There were 518 patients in the EA group, 140 patients in the EDA group and 65 patients in the DA group. The operative times were similar in each group. Postoperative complications occurred in 49 patients (6.8 %) and were significantly higher in the DA group in comparison to the EA group (p = 0.0012) and EDA group (p = 0.003). Two patients (3 %) in the DA group died. There were no differences in the length of the hospital stay. The gangrenous appendicitis rate was significantly higher in the DA group (p < 0.05) in comparison to the EA and EDA groups.

Conclusions

Performing appendectomy within 24 h from presentation does not increase the length of hospital stay or rate of complications. However, delayed appendectomy after 24 h from onset increases the rate of complications.     

Appendicitis—the balance between cost effectiveness and safety remains challenging

Purpose

The diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains a challenge in daily clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to determine clinical criteria for a careful and cost-effective integration of computed tomography (CT) scans in the clinical pathway for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed all patients who were admitted to our hospital with suspected appendicitis (2008–2011). We included all patients who had an appendectomy with or without preoperative CT. Furthermore, we analyzed all patients who received a CT because of suspected appendicitis but did not have an appendectomy.

Results

A total of 367 patients were included in this study. A CT was performed in 35 % of the patients with suspected appendicitis. Women had a significantly higher rate of negative appendectomy (NA) (16.5 %) than men (5.3 %). The frequency of NA was 5.7 % in the group of patients who were imaged, whereas it was 11.8 % (p?=?0.075) among those who were not imaged. Thereby, CT scans helped to reduce total hospital expenses (€1,317.44 (no CT scan) to €675.85 (CT scan and no operation). Furthermore, CT scans can be avoided in men with normal white blood cell counts who should be observed if not operated immediately.

Conclusion

CT can be effectively applied for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. We propose a diagnostic algorithm which helps to simultaneously avoid unnecessary operations and radiation exposure.     

Histological characterization of appendectomy specimens with intraoperative appearance of vascular injection

Background

Acute appendicitis frequently needs acute surgical intervention. Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and conventional open appendectomy (OA) are well established procedures, but appendectomy for intraoperative inconspicuous or vascular injected appendixes remains under debate because of potential postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to correlate intraoperative nonacute appendixes with histological and clinical outcome.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 1,017 patients underwent OA or LA. A total of 1,005 patients were enrolled with inclusion criteria of suspicious acute appendicitis preoperatively. One hundred twenty-nine of 1,005 patients had intraoperative normal, vascular injected or chronic appendixes that were defined as nonacute appendicitis. Intraoperative findings were correlated with histological results and clinical outcome of patients.

Results

Of 129 (12.8 %) of 1,005 patients with macroscopically nonacute appendicitis intraoperatively, 16.3 % had normal findings, 81.4 % vascular injection, and 2.3 % chronic alterations; and 94.6 % of nonacute appendixes had histopathological alterations: 38.9 % chronic, 14.0 % neurogenic, 26.4 % acute, 13.2 % phlegmonous, and 2.3 % malignant. Coproliths were found in 21.7 % of patients, most in vascular injected appendixes. Four of seven patients with histopathological normal appendixes had coproliths. Morbidity rate was 2.3 %, with no mortality.

Conclusions

Appendiceal resection for intraoperative nonacute appendixes should be recommended because of high incidence of histopathological findings with low morbidity. In particular, chronic and neurogenous alterations cannot be predicted clinically or verified by radiological examination, but may cause recurrent symptoms.     

Amebic Acute Appendicitis: Systematic Review of 174 Cases

Background

This study aimed to determine the clinical and demographic features of acute amebic appendicitis by reviewing the reported cases.

Methods

The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched to identify articles related to amebic appendicitis using key words. The search included all articles published between 1935 and 2012 without restricting language, journal, or country.

Results

A total of 174 cases of amebic appendicitis reported in 42 articles were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 23.5 years (range 2 months–83 years). The majority of patients were male (74.0 %), and the majority of cases were reported from countries with high/moderate risk for amebiasis (76.5 %). A history of traveling to a high/moderate-risk country was cited in 64.0 % of the overall cases. The interval between travel and onset of clinical symptoms ranged from months to years. History of or coexisting dysenteric diarrhea was present in only 7.0 and 14.0 % of overall cases, respectively. A preoperative diagnosis of amebiasis was cited for only five cases (3.0 %). Complicated appendicitis was present in 30.7 % of cases, some of which required colon resection. Severe postoperative intraabdominal complications (e.g., liver abscess, abdominal sepsis, gastrointestinal fistula, hemorrhage) occurred in 19.4 % of surgery-treated patients. The overall mortality rate was 3.2 %.

Conclusion

Appendectomy specimens should be routinely sent for histopathologic examination. In the case of suspected amebic acute appendicitis, extra precautions—early appendectomy, metronidazole for antibiotic prophylaxis, wet-preparation examination, obtaining a timely pathology result, increasing the awareness of uncommon complications of appendectomy—can hasten appropriate therapeutic intervention and improve outcome.     

Thirty-day outcomes of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in elderly using ACS/NSQIP database

Background

Although laparoscopic appendectomy is becoming the procedure of choice over open appendectomy in the treatment of appendicitis, its role in the elderly has not been widely studied. The objective of this study was to compare the 30-day outcomes after laparoscopic versus open for appendicitis in the elderly patients.

Methods

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS/NSQIP) databases for years 2005–2009, 3,674 patients (age >65 years) who underwent an appendectomy for appendicitis were identified. Seventy-two percent of the procedures were performed laparoscopically. In addition to aggregate cohort analysis, propensity score 1:1 matching was used to minimize the treatment selection bias. The association between surgical approach and morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS) were analyzed.

Results

In the aggregate cohort analysis, patients who underwent an open appendectomy had a higher rate of minor morbidity (9.3% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.001), overall morbidity (13.4% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.001), and mortality (2% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.003). However, in the matched cohort analysis, open appendectomy was only associated with a higher rate of minor morbidity (9.3% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.002) and overall morbidity (13.4% vs. 10.1%; p = 0.02) but similar mortality rates (2% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.313). In matched cohort analysis, open appendectomy also was associated with a higher rate of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (3.8% vs. 1.4%; p < 0.001) and a lower rate of organ/space SSI (1.3% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.009). Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a shorter LOS in both aggregate and matched cohorts compared with open appendectomy (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Within ACS NSQIP hospitals, elderly patients benefited from a laparoscopic approach to appendicitis with regards to a shorter LOS and a lower minor and overall morbidity. Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with lower superficial SSI and higher organ/space SSI rates.     

Simple technique for gasless transumbilical single-incisional laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy

Purpose

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has recently received more attention. We developed a novel simple technique of gasless transumbilical single-incisional laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TUSILAA) and retrospectively analyzed our initial experience.

Methods

TUSILAA has been attempted in 50 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis. The vertical incision through the umbilicus was used for laparoscopic access and the abdominal wall was lifted by a Kent retractor set system.

Results

Our technique was successful in 45 out of 50 (90 %) patients. The median operating time was 59 min (range 35–140). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 4 days (range 2–12). None of the cases were converted to open appendectomy. There were no perioperative surgical complications.

Conclusions

Our novel technique, gasless TUSILAA, is safe and feasible with acceptable operative time and excellent cosmetic result. Furthermore, this procedure has the advantage of cost-effectiveness since any disposable instruments including trocars, staplers, or expensive devices are not required. Therefore, this could be used as the first-choice surgical procedure for selected patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis.     

Evaluation of the appendix during diagnostic laparoscopy, the laparoscopic appendicitis score: a pilot study

Background

Diagnostic laparoscopy is the ultimate diagnostic tool to evaluate the appendix. Still, according to the literature, this strategy results in a negative appendectomy rate of approximately 12–18 % and associated morbidity. Laparoscopic criteria for determining appendicitis are lacking. The goal of this study is to define clear and reliable criteria for appendicitis during diagnostic laparoscopy that eventually may safely reduce the negative appendectomy rate.

Methods

From December 2009 through April 2011, 134 patients were included and analysed in a single-centre prospective pilot study. Intraoperatively, the appendix was evaluated by the surgeon according to nine criteria for appendicitis. The operating surgeon decided whether it should be removed or not. Immediately after the operation the surgeon had to complete a questionnaire on nine criteria for appendicitis. All removed appendices were examined by a pathologist. In case the appendix was not removed, the clinical postoperative course was decisive for the (missed) presence of appendicitis.

Results

In 109 cases an inflamed appendix was removed; in 25 patients the appendix was normal, 3 of which had been removed. After univariate analysis and clinical judgement six variables were included in the Laparoscopic APPendicitis score (LAPP score). In this study, use of the LAPP score would have led to a positive predictive value of 99 % and a negative predictive value of 100 %.

Conclusions

This study presents the LAPP score. The LAPP score is an easily applicable score that can be used by surgeons to evaluate the appendix during diagnostic laparoscopy. The score has high positive and negative predictive value. The LAPP score needs to be validated in a multicentre validation study.     

Acute Appendicitis in the Twenty-First Century: Should We Modify the Management Protocol?

Background

Recent data challenge the traditional management of acute appendicitis with early surgical intervention. This study evaluated the impact of timing of appendectomy and other potential risk factors on progression of acute appendicitis.

Study Design

A search of the relevant databases of a tertiary medical center identified 1,604 patients with verified acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy in 2004–2007. Demographic and clinical data and time from symptom onset to emergency room admission (“patient interval”) and from emergency room admission to surgery (“hospital interval”) and their combination were analyzed by pathological grade.

Results

On multivariate analyses, independent risk factors for appendiceal perforation were age <20 years (OR?=?1.58, 95 % CI 1.07–2.35) or >50 years (OR?=?2.84, 95 % CI 1.82–4.45) (relative to 20–50 years), white cell count >10?×?103/mm³ (OR?=?4.45, 95 % CI 2.05–9.67), body temperature >37.8 °C (OR?=?2.23, 95 % CI 1.45–3.41), hospital interval >24 h (OR?=?2.84, 95 % CI 1.49–5.4), patient interval >48 h (OR?=?3.84, 95 % CI 2.35–6.29), and combined interval >48 h (OR?=?4.29, 95 % CI 2.2–8.36). No association with perforation was found for the hour of emergency room arrival, hour of operation, surgical approach, or the performance of preoperative imaging.

Conclusions

In the general population, the risk of advanced pathological grade of appendicitis increases with time. Thus, prompt appendectomy is warranted. Prospective studies of subgroups of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis are needed.     

Left-sided Acute Appendicitis with Situs Inversus Totalis: Review of 63 Published Cases and Report of Two Cases

Background

Situs inversus (SI) and midgut malrotation (MM) are uncommon anatomic anomalies that complicate diagnosis and management of acute abdominal pain.

Methods

We present two cases of left-sided acute appendicitis with situs inversus totalis and a literature review of studies published in English language on left-sided acute appendicitis, accessed via Pubmed and Google Scholar database.

Results

Sixty-three published cases of left-sided acute appendicitis were evaluated, and two patients (M:16 yr, F:17 yr) who presented to our clinic with left lower quadrant pain caused by left-sided acute appendicitis were reported. Thirty-five of the patients were male and 30 were female (including our patients) with age range from 8 to 63 years and median age of 26.7?±?14.0 years. Fifty-three patients had situs inversus totalis (SIT), 8 had MM and two were with malrotation of the caecum. Thirty-eight patients had applied to the hospital with left lower quadrant pain, 12 with right and 6 with bilateral lower quadrant pain. Thirty patients were diagnosed as having SIT or MM, while the diagnosis in 12 patients was established during the intraoperative period. Eleven patients with SIT were aware of having this anomaly. Five of the patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy and in two patients laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy were performed in one session. Preoperative diagnosis has been easier to achieve after 1985, when ultrasonography(USG) and computed tomography(CT) were introduced into the medical practice.

Conclussion

SIT and MM should be taken into consideration in patients with findings of the physical examination suspicious for left-sided acute appendicitis. X-ray, USG, CT and diagnostic laparoscopy are beneficial in developing the differential diagnosis.     

Laparoscopic approach in perforated appendicitis: increased incidence of surgical site infection?

Background

The role of laparoscopy in the setting of perforated appendicitis remains controversial. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the early postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) compared to open appendectomy (OA) in patients with perforated appendicitis.

Methods

A total of 1,032 patients required an appendectomy between January 2005 and December 2009. Among these patients, 169 presented with perforated appendicitis. Operation times, length of hospital stay, overall complication rates within 30 days, and surgical site infection (SSI) rates were analyzed.

Results

Out of the 169 evaluated patients, 106 required LA and 63 OA. Although operation times were similar in both groups (92 ± 31 min for LA vs. 98 ± 45 for OA, p = 0.338), length of hospital stay was shorter in the LA group (6.9 ± 3.8 days vs. 11.5 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). Overall complication rates were significantly lower in the LA group (32.1 vs. 52.4 %, p < 0.001), as were incisional SSI (1.9 vs. 22.2 %, p < 0.001). Organ/space SSI rates were similar in both groups (23.6 % after LA vs. 20.6 % after OA, p = 0.657).

Conclusions

For perforated appendicitis, LA results in a significantly shorter hospital stay, fewer overall postoperative complications, and fewer wound infections compared to OA. Organ/space SSI rates were similar for both procedures. LA provides a safe option for treating patients with perforated appendicitis.     

What Patients and Surgeons Should Know About the Consequences of Appendectomy for Acute Appendicitis After Long-Term Follow-Up: Factors Influencing the Incidence of Chronic Abdominal Complaints

Introduction

Abscess formation and perforation are complications of acute appendicitis that lead to localized or generalized peritonitis. The long-term implications of complicated appendectomy remain largely unknown.

Materials and methods

In the present study, it was investigated whether patients with complicated appendicitis experienced more abdominal complaints after long-term follow-up when compared to uncomplicated cases. In addition, the influence of operation technique (open versus laparoscopic) was studied. A retrospective analysis of 1,481 appendectomies for acute appendicitis was performed in two centers from January 2000 until January 2006. Demographic data, operative reports, intraoperatively adhesions and complications, abdominal pain, and satisfaction were monitored. In total, 1,433 patients were invited to fill out a questionnaire with a median follow-up of 7.1 years. Questionnaires of 526 (37 %) patients were suitable for analysis.

Results

Perforation, abdominal abscesses, or adhesions at initial operation did not result in more abdominal complaints when compared to appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Additionally, no significant differences in abdominal complaints were seen between laparoscopic and open techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of our study show that after follow-up of 7 years, the incidence of abdominal complaints was not influenced by operative technique or whether acute appendicitis was complicated or not. This finding does not support a causative role for adhesions with regard to chronic abdominal complaints. Our data enables surgeons to inform their patients about the long-term results of appendectomy, whether it was complicated or not.     

Factors influencing the course of acute appendicitis in adults and children

Purpose

Our aim was to determine predictive factors for the diagnosis and postoperative complications of acute appendicitis.

Materials and patients

Data sets of 1,439 consecutive adults and children who had an appendectomy between 1999 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A mild acute appendicitis was present in 50 % (n?=?722) and a severe acute appendicitis in 25 % (n?=?355) of the patients. No signs of any pathology were found in 6 % (n?=?82). Gender, white blood count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and ultrasound (US) examination were important indicators of mild acute and severe acute appendicitis in adults and children. Postoperative complications occurred in 16 % (237/1,439), mainly consisting of wound infections (8 %, n?=?122) and bowel dysfunction (5 %, n?=?76). Sixty-two patients (4.3 %) required reoperations. One patient died (1/1,439, 0.07 % mortality rate). Age, pathology, and the presence of bacteria in the intraoperative swab were important predictive factors for postoperative complications in adults and children. Time since onset of symptoms and type of operation were also associated with postoperative complications among adults. Complications developed in 21 and 9 % of the adults (155/754 and 10/125) who had open and laparoscopic surgery, respectively.

Conclusions

Besides history and clinical examination, WBC, CRP, and US examination remain important factors for diagnosing acute appendicitis. Complications are related to the pathology, presence of bacteria, and type of operation. Early diagnosis within 48 h may be important. A laparoscopic procedure in adults may also cause fewer wound infections.     

Expanded utilization of nonoperative management for complicated appendicitis in children

Purpose

The initial approach to complicated appendicitis in children has become increasingly nonoperative, particularly when there is presumed perforation and a localized abscess. We extended the indications for nonoperative management to include most cases other than simple appendicitis, including those with diffuse peritoneal involvement. We evaluated outcomes and sought to identify factors at the time of hospital admission that predicted an extended length of stay (LOS) with this strategy.

Methods

The records of 223 consecutive children who were managed nonoperatively for complicated appendicitis were reviewed. A conservative approach was typically pursued in those with an abscess, phlegmon, or free fluid on initial imaging studies, and diffuse tenderness, diarrhea, or significant leukocytosis after 2 days of symptoms. Interval appendectomies were performed selectively.

Results

The average LOS was 5.6 days (1–38), but nine subjects had a LOS of greater than 14 days. Eleven (4.9 %) required appendectomy during the initial admission. Free fluid on admission imaging studies, present in 78 % of those with an extended LOS, [odds ratio (OR) 5.5], in addition to a requirement for early nasogastric drainage (OR 24.2) and a higher band count (19 vs 15 %), was significantly associated with an extended LOS.

Conclusions

An expansion of the indications for nonoperative management of complicated appendicitis yielded an acceptable average LOS and a low incidence of early appendectomy. However, a small subset of subjects had an extended LOS, and most of those had free peritoneal fluid on admission.     

A Model to Select Patients Who May Benefit from Antibiotic Therapy as the First Line Treatment of Acute Appendicitis at High Probability

Background

Randomized studies indicated that 88–95 % of patients with acute appendicitis recover on antibiotics without surgery, although it is unclear which patient would benefit with high probability on antibiotics. We hypothesized that patients with phlegmonous appendicitis should be a group where antibiotics may be a sufficient treatment. Accordingly, our aim was to propose a model to support treatment application for unselected patients with acute appendicitis.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of preoperative clinical and laboratory variables in 384 consecutive adult patients, who underwent appendectomy with histological examination of the appendix, were evaluated by logistic regressions. The proposed mathematical model was then evaluated on a prospectively collected population based material of 581 consecutive patients offered antibiotics as their first line treatment of acute appendicitis.

Results

Patients with assumed appendicitis who fulfilled all criteria with CRP <60 g/L, WCC <12?×?10⁹/L, and age <60 years had 89 % probability to have phlegmonous appendicitis. When these criteria were applied retrospectively on a prospective material, 88 % of operated patients had phlegmonous inflammation and 89 % had recovered on antibiotics without surgery.

Conclusion

Standard clinical and laboratory tests are individually weak predictors of phlegmonous appendicitis, but can be used in combinations as a bedside instrument to select patients suitable for antibiotic therapy.     

Nonoperative Management of Appendiceal Phlegmon or Abscess with an Appendicolith in Children

Background

The optimal treatment of appendiceal phlegmon or abscess with an appendicolith is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes and prognosis of nonoperative management of appendiceal phlegmon or abscess with an appendicolith in children.

Methods

From 2007 to 2011, 105 children with appendiceal phlegmon or abscess who were treated nonoperatively without interval appendectomy were reviewed. Average follow-up of subjects was 2.4 years. Data were compared between subjects with and without an appendicolith or persistent presence and disappearance of an appendicolith.

Results

The success rate for nonoperative therapy for appendiceal phlegmon or abscess with appendicolith was 95.9 %. The risk of recurrent appendicitis in appendiceal phlegmon or abscess with appendicolith (19.1 %) was higher than that without appendicolith (8.9 %, P?=?0.132). The rate of appendicolith disappearance during follow-up was 80.9 %. The persistent presence of an appendicolith was associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate (66.7 %) compared with appendicolith disappearance (7.9 %, P?<?0.05).

Conclusion

Appendiceal phlegmon or abscess with an appendicolith can be managed nonoperatively, and most appendicoliths can be resolved. Persistent presence of an appendicolith is a significant risk factor for recurrent appendicitis. Interval appendectomy is recommended for persistent presence of appendicolith, but is not indicated in cases without appendicolith or appendicolith disappearance.     

Uncovering Malpractice in Appendectomies: a Review of 234 Cases

Background

General surgery is a “high-risk specialty” with respect to medical malpractice rates, and appendicitis is one of the most common diagnoses encountered by practitioners. Our objectives were to detail issues affecting malpractice litigation regarding appendicitis and appendectomies, including outcomes, awards, alleged causes of malpractice, and other factors instrumental in determining legal responsibility and increasing patient safety.

Study Design

Publically available federal and state court records were examined for pertinent jury verdict and settlement reports. Information from 234 pertinent cases was collected, including alleged causes of malpractice and outcomes.

Results

Of the 234 cases included in this study, the most common factor noted was an alleged delay in diagnosis (67.1 %), followed by intraoperative negligence (16.2 %). Alleged deficits in informed consent, although only specifically cited as a cause of malpractice in 1.3 % of cases, were found to be an important aspect of many cases. In total, 59.8 % of cases were ruled in favor of the physician, 23.7 % in favor of the plaintiff, and 5.5 % reached a settlement. The average plaintiff award was US$794,152, and the average settlement award was US$1,434,286.

Conclusion

An important strategy to decrease liability in a physician's practice is prompt evaluation of an appendicitis patient. An integral part of this is efficient communication between physicians practicing a wide variety of specialties, especially including practitioners in emergency medicine and general surgery. Additionally, completing a thorough informed consent explaining all aspects of the procedure including the factors we outline will not only increase patient awareness of potential risks but also protect the physician in the face of litigation.     

Minilaparoscopic appendectomy using a new spiral needle

Background

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent abdominal disease and requires urgent surgery. At the present time, laparoscopic appendectomy is a well-accepted emergency procedure at most centers. In this study, we used a new spiral needle to facilitate the procedure, making it easy, minimally invasive, and cost effective.

Methods

The study included 70 patients of both sexes with acute appendicitis that was treated by laparoscopic appendectomy using a new spiral needle. These cases were treated at the General Surgery Department, Zagazig University, Egypt, from May 2012 to August 2013. In the procedure we used only two ports (a 10-mm port directly below the umbilicus for the camera and a 5-mm port at the left iliac fossa at the midclavicular line). The new spiral needle was used to hold the appendix during the procedure and was inserted into the right iliac fossa depending on the site of the appendix.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 27.3 years, mean operative time was 40 min, and mean hospital stay was 1.3 days. Ten patients (14 %) had minimal bleeding at the site of needle passage into the mesoappendix. Wound infection at the site of umbilical port occurred in four patients (5.7 %) postoperatively.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendectomy using our new spiral needle is easy, minimally invasive, and cost effective.     

Altersappendizitis

Background

The diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the elderly bears many pitfalls due to a broad range of differential diagnoses and uncommon clinical presentation. This may result in late detection of appendicitis leading to poor outcome. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of appendicitis in elderly patients in order to facilitate early diagnosis.

Materials and methods

All patients who underwent appendectomy in our institution were prospectively recorded over a 30 month period. Data on patient’s age (>60 years versus ≤60 years), clinical findings, the inflammatory parameters leucocytes and C-reactive protein (CRP) and histological-findings (perforated versus non-perforated) were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out by ROC analysis, χ² and t-tests.

Results

In the examination period 403 patients underwent appendectomy and 11.2% (n=45) were older than 60 years. These patients were characterized by significantly more frequent perforations compared to those patients ≤60 years (35.6% versus 7.0%, p≤0.05), peritonitis (42.2% versus 9.5%, p≤0.05), conversion to open surgery (23% versus 5%, p≤0.005), longer postoperative hospital stay (9.2 days versus 4.3days, p≤0.05) and a higher complication rate (28.9% versus 3.6%, p≤0.005). CRP values in patients >60 years were on average 123.2 mg/l and significantly higher than in patients ≤60 years (35.5 mg/l, p≤0.005). The ROC analysis resulted in a CRP cut-off value of 101.9 mg/l for patients >60 years for the existence of a perforation with a specificity of 72.4% and a sensitivity of 81.3% (AUC 0.811).

Conclusions

The CRP value showed a strong correlation with respect to the grade of inflammation and perforation. In conclusion, elderly patients with symptoms of appendicitis and a CRP value higher than 102 mg/l should undergo early diagnostic laparoscopy.     

Short and Long-Term Mortality After Appendectomy in Sweden 1987 to 2006. Influence of Appendectomy Diagnosis, Sex, Age, Co-morbidity, Surgical Method, Hospital Volume, and Time Period. A National Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

Avoiding mortality is the ultimate goal when managing patients with suspected appendicitis. Previous studies have shown high mortality after negative appendectomy. This national cohort study analyzes short- and long-term mortality after appendectomy in relation to appendectomy diagnosis, age, co-morbidity, surgical method, hospital volume, and time period.

Method

A total of 223,543 appendectomy patients treated from 1987 to 2006 were identified from the Swedish National Patient Register and followed up via the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Analysis of mortality was conducted as Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) and by Cox multivariate regression.

Results

Negative appendectomy was followed by a higher mortality in the short term (30-day Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR_30d) 8.95, confidence interval (CI) 6.68–12.61) than after perforated appendicitis (SMR_30d 6.39, CI 5.44–7.48), and remained increased for up to 5 years (SMR_5yr 1.31, CI 1.16–1.47). Non-perforated appendicitis had a lower than expected long-term mortality (SMR_5yr 0.72, CI 0.68–0.76). These differences remained after adjustment for covariates. Laparoscopic appendectomy had similar short-term mortality as open appendectomy but lower than expected long-term morality (SMR_5yr 0.70, CI 0.62–0.78). Mortality was decreasing during the study period. Hospital volume had no influence on mortality.

Conclusions

Negative appendectomy is associated with excess short- and long-term mortality that remains after adjustment for known confounders, suggesting an association with underlying undetected morbidity. This motivates an improved preoperative diagnosis to avoid the additional trauma from unnecessary surgical interventions, but further studies are needed to investigate the cause of the increased long-term mortality and if this can be prevented by an improved follow-up of patients with negative appendectomy. Laparoscopic and open appendectomy have similar short-term mortality. The lower long-term mortality after non-perforated appendicitis and laparoscopic appendectomy suggest selection of healthier patients for these interventions. This possibility should be taken into account when comparing mortality after open and laparoscopic appendectomy.     

Distinguishing between acute appendicitis and appendiceal mucocele: is this possible preoperatively?

Purpose

Mucocele of the appendix is an infrequent event, characterized by a cystic dilatation of the lumen. It is often diagnosed clinically from signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis or, if it is asymptomatic, as an incidental finding during ultrasonography, computed tomography, or laparotomy.

Methods

We evaluated the histological data of patients who were believed to have mucocele of the appendix. These patients (n = 23) were compared with sex- and age-matched control subjects (n = 79) with appendicitis.

Results

The main reason for emergency surgery was lower right abdominal pain in 15 patients, and intestinal obstruction in three. Univariate analysis using sonography demonstrated that the larger appendiceal outer diameter was positively correlated with the diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele (p = 0.001) and the mean white blood cell count was negatively correlated (p = 0.023). In urine analysis, 41.7 % of the mucocele patients and 10 % of the appendicitis patients had microscopic hematuria, respectively (p = 0.019). An outer diameter of 10 mm or more was predictive of appendiceal mucocele diagnosis, with a sensitivity of 76.5 %, specificity of 81 %, positive predictive value of 76.5 %, and negative predictive value of 94.12 %. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 80.2 %. One point was given for the presence of each of these factors to develop a new score. The resulting area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.855 (95 % CI 0.741–0.969) for the score. The histological examination of the specimens revealed mucocele in 15 cases, mucinous cystadenoma in seven cases and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in one case. Twenty patients underwent appendectomy, and three patients were treated with right colectomy.

Conclusions

A threshold 10-mm diameter of the appendix under compression is a useful preoperative measurement for differentiating between appendiceal mucocele and acute appendicitis. Microhematuria is simple test that can provide a significant role in supporting the clinical diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele in the emergency department.