Quality of care received by children with suspected appendicitis in the UK National Health Service.

To compare trends in pediatric emergency appendectomy and adverse surgical outcomes between district general hospitals (DGHs) and specialist pediatric centers (SPCs). In the past decades in England, a significant reduction in the number of children operated by adult general surgeons has raised concerns about their surgical outcomes compared with specialist pediatric surgeons. Using Hospital Episode Statistics, we analyzed patient-level data between April 2001 and March 2012. Main inclusion criteria were children younger than 16 years admitted to NHS-England hospitals for an emergency appendectomy. Main outcomes were annual age-sex adjusted appendectomy rates and postoperative risk of readmission, complication, and reintervention. A total of 83,679 emergency pediatric appendectomies were performed in 21 SPCs and 183 DGHs in England. SPCs performed only 18% of these operations (15,002). Annual age-sex standardized appendectomy rates fell from 87 to 68 per 100,000 population at an estimated 2% (rate ratio, 0.98) fall per annum. This was accompanied by a national annual increased risk of negative appendectomy, complication, reintervention, and readmission (adjusted odds ratio: 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, and 1.06, respectively). Children who had appendectomies in DGHs had 28% more negative appendectomies, 11% more complications, and 11% more readmissions than those in SPCs. Postoperative length of stay was double in SPCs compared with DGHs (median, 4 vs 2 days). Major reductions in the number of pediatric emergency appendectomies in England over the past decade were associated with an overall increase in adverse surgical outcomes. Children operated in DGHs have more reinterventions, complications, and negative appendectomy rates than those operated in SPCs.

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

The aim of this study was to review changes in the management of acute appendicitis in a ten-year period at a large university teaching hospital in London. This was a retrospective cohort study reviewing the medical records of patients who underwent an appendicectomy over a period of 12 months either in 1999 or 2009. Data collected included use of radiological investigations (ultrasonography, computed tomography [CT]), technique of appendicectomy (open [OA] or laparoscopic [LA]), operative time, histopathology and post-operative complications. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the influence of variables on the incidence of negative appendicectomy, appendiceal perforation and post-operative complications. All of the patients operated on in 1999 (n=109) had OA. Of the patients operated on in 2009 (n=164), 67 had OA, 91 had LA and 6 had LA converted to OA. None of the patients in 1999 had CT whereas in 2009 26% of patients had CT (sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 75.0%). This increased use of pre-operative imaging had no effect on negative appendicectomy (25.7% vs 12.8%, p=0.445), perforation (30.0% vs 21.3%, p=0.308) or complication rates (9.2% vs 10.4%). The complication rate was also similar regardless of whether patients had OA or LA (11.9% vs 9.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed that age was the only predictor of negative appendicectomy (p=0.029) or perforation (p=0.014). This study shows that significant increase in the use of pre-operative imaging and laparoscopy in the management of patients with acute appendicitis failed to reduce negative appendicectomy, perforation and complications rates. The patient's age was the only predictor of negative appendicectomy and perforation.

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

We can reduce negative paediatric appendicectomy rate: A cohort study

Introduction: We undertook a retrospective study to investigate factors associated with increased time delay to surgery in acute appendicitis and the impact of delays on post-operative morbidity and length of hospital stay in a district general hospital. Patients and Methods: Patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis during a 12 month period were identified from hospital records. Clinico-pathological data collated included patient age at the time of admission (years), gender, time delay to surgery following surgeons' decision to operate (hours), the use of pre-operative imaging (ultrasound and CT), the duration of antibiotic use and total length of hospital stay (days), and post-operative complications. Results: One hundred and ninty-three patients were included for data analysis comprised 58 children (mean age 12.60.3 [SEM] yrs), 78 adult males (mean 35.01.8yrs), and 57 adult females (mean 34.51.9yrs). The overall rate of negative appendicectomy was 26.4%. Twenty-nine patients (15%) developed post-operative complications. Increasing patient age (p=0.001), time delay to surgery (figure 2; p=0.001), and use of pre-operative imaging (figure 3; p=0.033) were each significantly associated with an increase in complication rate. Patients with complications subsequently required significantly longer use of post-operative antibiotics and total hospital stay (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between patient gender and time delay to surgery (p=0.009), with females waiting significantly longer than males (p=0.011). The use of pre-operative imaging (64% females) was associated with an increase time delay to surgery (p<0.001). Pre-operative imaging had no impact on reducing the rate of negative appendicectomy. Patients who received pre-operative imaging were significantly more likely to develop postoperative complications. Patients seen by a surgeon during normal daylight working hours (0800-1600hrs) benefited from the designated afternoon CEPOD emergency operating list with reduced time delays to surgery, whilst those patients seen during the hours approaching the CEPOD watershed of 2200hrs waited the longest for their surgery (mean 24.74.2hrs). Discussion and Conclusion: Patients who waited longer for surgery had a significantly higher post-operative complication rate, greater use of antibiotics, and longer stay in hospital. The use of pre-operative imaging (more common in females) and local CEPOD policies were significant contributing factors to these delays.

The management of right iliac fossa pain – Is timing everything?

IntroductionAcute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain is amongst the most common presentation to the surgical team. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of this pain and often warrants surgical intervention. In many cases intervention results in a negative appendicectomy with unnecessary complications as a result. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of pre-operative imaging in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis to reduce the rate of negative appendicectomy and unnecessary operative intervention. MethodsA retrospective single centre cohort study was undertaken in a district general hospital (DGH) of all laparoscopic appendicectomies over a six-year period. 1344 cases were included and were examined for the use of pre-operative imaging (and type) or none. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for each type of imaging were analysed for their accuracy in diagnosis appendicitis based on the final histological analysis. ResultsThe negative appendicectomy rate was found to be greatest in those undergoing ultrasonography (48.21%) as their method of pre-operative imaging whilst those who underwent computed tomography (CTAP 20.26%) had a lower rate equivalent to that of clinical diagnosis alone (20.73%). ConclusionUSS is less sensitive than CT in diagnosing acute appendicitis. There is no statistically significant difference in negative appendicectomy rate between clinical diagnosis and CT diagnosis. Pre-operative imaging has a role in the diagnosis of appendicitis but needs to be utilised appropriately to reduce the strain on the surgical department and prevent the potential of a negative appendicectomy.

Are dentists risking losing their relevance?

IntroductionAcute appendicitis in children is a clinical diagnosis, which often requires preoperative confirmation with either ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) studies. CTs expose children to radiation, which may increase the lifetime risk of developing malignancy. US in the pediatric population with appropriate clinical follow up and serial exam may be an effective diagnostic modality for many children without incurring the risk of radiation. The objective of the study was to compare the rate of appendiceal rupture and negative appendectomies between children with and without abdominal CTs; and to evaluate the same outcomes for children with and without USs to determine if there were any associations between imaging modalities and outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review including emergency department (ED) and inpatient records from 1/1/2009–2/31/2010 and included patients with suspected acute appendicitis.Results1,493 children, aged less than one year to 20 years, were identified in the ED with suspected appendicitis. These patients presented with abdominal pain who had either a surgical consult or an abdominal imaging study to evaluate for appendicitis, or were transferred from an outside hospital or primary care physician office with the stated suspicion of acute appendicitis. Of these patients, 739 were sent home following evaluation in the ED and did not return within the subsequent two weeks and were therefore presumed not to have appendicitis. A total of 754 were admitted and form the study population, of which 20% received a CT, 53% US, and 8% received both. Of these 57%, 95% CI [53.5,60.5] had pathology-proven appendicitis. Appendicitis rates were similar for children with a CT (57%, 95% CI [49.6,64.4]) compared to those without (57%, 95% CI [52.9,61.0]). Children with perforation were similar between those with a CT (18%, 95% CI [12.3,23.7]) and those without (13%, 95% CI [10.3,15.7]). The proportion of children with a negative appendectomy was similar in both groups: CT (7%, 95% CI [2.1,11.9]), US (8%, 95% CI [4.7,11.3]) and neither (12%, 95% CI [5.9,18.1]).ConclusionIn this uncontrolled study, the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis and the incidence of pathology-proven perforation appendix were similar for children with suspected acute appendicitis whether they had CT, US or neither imaging, in conjunction with surgical consult. The imaging modality of CT was not associated with better outcomes for children presenting to the ED with suspected appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children. The majority of appendicectomies in children are performed by general surgeons, rather than specialist paediatric surgeons. To assess the impact of hospital specialization, hospital volume, and surgeon volume on outcomes for children undergoing appendicectomy in Ireland. NQAIS (National Quality Assurance and Improvement System) data for all appendicectomies performed on children in Ireland between January 2014 and November 2017 was examined. Hospitals were categorized as specialist paediatric centres (SPCs), high-volume general (HVGHs), moderate-volume general (MVGHs), or low-volume general (LVGHs) by annual case volume. Similarly, surgeons were categorized as high-volume (HVSs), moderate-volume (MVSs), or low-volume (LVSs) by annual volume. Data relating to patient demographics, type of surgery (open/laparoscopic/laparoscopic converted to open), length of stay (LOS), mortality, admission to critical care, and readmission rates were collected and analysed. About 9593 appendicectomies were performed in 21 hospitals by 134 surgeons. Patients in SPCs had lowest overall rates of laparoscopic surgery (48% v 66% (HVGHs) v 70% (MVGHs) v 57%(LVGHs), p< 0.001). In SPCs 30-day readmission rates were lower for younger children (5.3% for 5-8-year olds v 6.7% (HVGHs) v 7.3%(MVGHs) v 10.5% (LVGHs), p= 0.023). HVSs performed more laparoscopic appendicectomies on younger patients (0-4years: 40% v 6% (MVSs) v 17%(LVSs), p< 0.001) but performed the least on older children (13-16years: 76% v 82%(MVSs) v 82%(LVSs), p< 0.001). Children younger than 8years undergoing appendicectomy in HVGHs or SPCs, or by HVSs, have marginally better outcomes. In older children, marginally shorter in-hospital stays and higher laparoscopic rates are seen in those looked after outside of high-volume or specialist units. Our results show that nonspecialist centres provide an essential, and safe, service to paediatric patients with acute appendicitis.

The optimal diagnostics and treatment of acute appendicitis continues to be a challenge. We evaluated the implementation of the guideline "diagnostics and treatment in acute appendicitis" in 2010. This guideline states that, in every patient with clinically suspected acute appendicitis, an ultrasonography or CT scan is advised to confirm the diagnosis before surgery. We selected all consecutive patients with acute appendicitis in our hospital in the years 2008 and 2011. We compared the use of imaging and the operation results in both years. In 2008, 228 patients were treated for acute appendicitis. In 43 %, imaging was performed. In 2011, 238 patients were treated; in 99 % of the cases, imaging was performed. A decrease in patients with negative appendectomy was seen from 19 % in 2008 to 5 % in 2011. Financial analysis showed a reduction in costs favoring 2011. The increased use of pre-operative imaging in patients with suspected acute appendicitis resulted in a cost-effective way to decrease the number of patients with negative appendectomies.

Tracking Multidisciplinary Outcomes in the Dialysis Patient Population

Barriers and Facilitators to Identification, Cascade Testing, and Treatment for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Scoping Review

Introduction Appendicitis is a common surgical condition that can be difficult to diagnose due to its varied clinical presentations. Surgical removal of the inflamed appendix is often necessary, and the appendix is sent for histopathological assessment to confirm the diagnosis. However, in some cases, the analysis may return a negative result for acute inflammation, known as a negative appendicectomy (NA). The definition of NA varies among experts. While negative appendicectomies are not ideal, they are accepted by surgeons to reduce the rate of perforated appendicitis, which can have severe consequences for patients. A study was conducted to investigate the rates of negative appendicectomies and their impact at a local district general hospital in Cavan, Republic of Ireland. Methods The study was conducted retrospectively from January 2014 to December 2019 on patients who were admitted with suspected appendicitis and underwent appendicectomy for appendicitis, regardless of age and sex. The researchers excluded patients who underwent elective, interval, and incidental appendicectomies. Data were collected on patient demographics, duration of symptoms prior to presentation, the intraoperative appearance of the appendix, and the histology results of the appendix specimens. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test were used for data analysis with the help of IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Results The study retrospectively reviewed 876 patients who underwent an appendicectomy for suspected appendicitis between January 2014 and December 2019. The age distribution of patients was non-uniform, with 72% presenting before the third decade. The overall perforated appendicitis rate was 7.08%, and the overall negative appendicectomy (NA) rate was 21.3%. A subset analysis showed a statistically significant lower NA rate in females than in males. The NA rate decreased significantly over time and has been sustained since 2014 at around 10%, which is consistent with other published studies. The majority of the histology findings were uncomplicated appendicitis. Discussion This article discusses the challenges of diagnosing appendicitis and the need to reduce unnecessary surgeries. Laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard treatment, with an average cost of £2222.53 per patient in the UK. However, patients with negative appendicectomies (NA) have longer hospital stays and higher morbidity than uncomplicated cases, making it crucial to reduce unnecessary surgeries. The clinical diagnosis of appendicitis is not always straightforward, and the rate of perforated appendicitis increases with a longer duration of symptoms, particularly pain. The selective use of imaging in suspected appendicitis could reduce NA rates, but a statistical difference has not been proven. Scoring systems like the Alvarado score have limitations and cannot be relied upon alone. Retrospective studies have limitations, and biases and confounding variables must be considered. Conclusion The study found that a thorough investigation of patients, particularly with preoperative imaging, can decrease the rate of unnecessary appendectomies without increasing the rate of perforation. This could save costs and reduce harm to patients.