Surgeons’ Preferences in Treating Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis during COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of Online Survey among General Surgeons

Abstract

Objective: The pandemic has affected the entire world. Even though most elective surgeries have been canceled, emergency cases pose a significant concern when the hospital resources are used for patients with COVID. Notably, surgery is the standard treatment for acute appendicitis; however, some studies have analyzed the use of antibiotics in selected cases. Our study aimed to analyze a surgeon’s preferences in treating acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Method: An online survey was conducted for surgeons via the social media platform. 102 surgeons participated in the survey.. The survey was designed for consultant general surgeons. The survey queried regarding the surgeons’ work hospitals, pandemic status, and treatment strategy before and after the pandemic. Answers to the survey questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 31% of surgeons reported they had changed the treatment strategy for acute appendicitis during the pandemic. 7% of surgeons stated that patients who received antibiotics had to undergo surgery owing to unresponsiveness to the therapy. Two percent of surgeons stated that patients on antibiotherapy developed early complications. Moreover, 29% of surgeons stated that they might change the treatment strategy in selected cases after the COVID-19 pandemic, and only 13% of surgeons may continue to prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated cases. Conclusion: Most surgeons did not change the treatment strategy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though recent guidelines and studies have revealed promising results for antibiotherapy in uncomplicated appendicitis cases, surgery seems to be regarded as the primary treatment strategy.