The analysis of delayed appendectomy in the treatment of patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis

Abstract

Objective We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of delayed appendectomy in the treatment of acute, nonperforated appendicitis. Methods We collected the patients who underwent an appendectomy for acute, nonperforated appendicitis between January 2004 and February 2013in the First People′s Hospital of North Forest Region. Patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison: an immediate group (those who were moved to an operating room within 24 hours after hospital arrival) and a delayed group (those within 24 to 48 hours after hospital arrival). The end points were operative time, perforation rate, complication rate, readmission rate and length of hospital stay. Results Of 902 patients, 671 (74.3%) underwent immediate operation within 24 hours after hospital arrival, whereas 231 (25.7%) underwent delayed operation within 24 to 48 hours. There were no significant differences in operative time, perforation, postoperative complications, and readmission between the 2 groups. Length of hospital stay was significantly greater was also greater in the delayed group than in the immediate group (t=7.34; P=0.02). Conclusion Delayed appendectomy is safe for patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis. Key words: Appendicitis; Appendectomy; Immediate appendectomy; Delayed appendectomy