Poster Round

Abstract

Aim: COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant social, economic and health impact worldwide, including Hong Kong. It causes unpredictable challenges to healthcare system. After implementing quarantine and social distancing measures, it is believed that patients have avoided seeking medical help due to avoidance of medical settings. The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on the presentation and clinical outcome of acute appendicitis, one of the commonest surgical disease. Mathod: Retrospective cohort study was carried out in our cluster to compare acute appendicitis patients during 1 January 2020 to 31 July 2020 with the same period 1 year before. Parameters including time of presentation, complicated appendicitis rate, post-operative complication rate, and length of stay were compared and analysed. Results: A total of 459 patients (229 in pre-COVID group vs. 230 in COVID group) were included. There was no significant difference in basic demographics. There was a significant higher incidence of complicated appendicitis (67% vs. 52%, p = .028), post-operative complication rate (29% vs. 7%, p = .042) and a trend of longer length of stay (7.27 vs. 9.67 days, p = .163) in February COVID group compare with pre-COVID group. The time of presentation was significantly longer in March COVID group(3.75 vs. 1.56 days, p = .031), which may correlate with the spike of local confirmed cases. Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic, more acute appendicitis patients presented late to hospital, with an increase in complicated appendicitis rate and post-operative complication rate. We must raise public awareness to ensure prompt attendance to medical help in case of alarming symptoms.