Abdominal Emergency Research Articles

Effect of physician specialty training on pediatric appendectomy outcomes: an NSQIP-P analysis.

Appendectomies are the most common abdominal emergency surgery in pediatric patients. Both pediatric and general surgeons are credentialed to perform this procedure, however pediatric surgeons are specialized in pediatrics. This study seeks to determine differences in pediatric appendectomy outcomes between general and pediatric surgeons. Pediatric patients undergoing appendectomies between 2015 and 2020 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database. Multivariable logistic regression models examined association of surgeon specialty with readmission, postoperative complications, reoperation, non-home discharge destination, operative time, etc. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Average ages of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy by pediatric and general surgeons were 11.2 (n = 68,638) and 12.3 (n = 3,986) years, respectively (p < .001). General surgeons were not more likely to have adverse outcomes [AOR: 1.00 (0.99-1.01), p = 0.57], readmissions [AOR: 0.995 (0.98-1.00), p = 0.11], reoperations [AOR: 1.00 (0.99-1.00), p = 0.54], or non-home discharges [AOR: 0.99 (0.99-1.00), p = 0.94]. Similar outcomes arise in pediatric appendectomies performed by general surgery at a children's hospital or hospitals with a pediatric wing. Significant limitations to using the NSQIP-P database persist. Further research including hospitals contributing to both adult and pediatric databases can provide a clearer picture of post-surgical outcomes in appendectomies.

Anesthesia choice for frail patients undergoing endovascular repair of non-ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

BackgroundWhile general anesthesia is the predominant choice in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), recent studies have suggested that locoregional anesthesia could be a viable alternative for suitable patients. Frailty has been identified as an independent predictor of elevated mortality and morbidity in EVAR. However, the choice of anesthesia in frail patients undergoing EVAR has not been explored. MethodsThis study aimed to compare the 30-day outcomes of non-emergent intact infrarenal EVAR in frail patients receiving either locoregional or general anesthesia. Patients who underwent infrarenal EVAR were identified in ACS-NSQIP database from 2012-2022. Frail patients were selected by 5-item Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5)≥2. Exclusion criteria included age<18 years, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), emergency, and acute intraoperative conversion to open. A 1:1 propensity-score matching was used to match demographics, baseline characteristics, aneurysm diameter, distal aneurysm extent, and concomitant procedures between patients under locoregional and general anesthesia. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were evaluated. ResultsAmong 16,438 patients who underwent EVAR, 4812 (29.27%) were frail. Among the frail patients, 483 (10.04%) were under locoregional anesthesia while 4,329 (89.96%) were under general anesthesia. After propensity-score matching, patients under locoregional or general anesthesia had comparable 30-day mortality (2.07% vs 2.48%, p=0.83) or any complications. ConclusionLocoregional and general anesthesia were found to have comparable postoperative outcomes in frail patients undergoing EVAR unruptured AAA, which did not align with the suggestion that locoregional anesthesia might be more advantageous in frail patients. While the patient’s preferences should be considered, the choice of anesthesia should still be individualized to take into account the patient’s age, comorbidities, AAA anatomy and the complexity of the case, as well as previous surgical and anesthesia experiences.

Comparative Study Of BISAP Score With APACHE-II Scoring System To Determine The Severity Of Acute Pancreatitis

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant abdominal emergency characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, primarily due to autodigestion by pancreatic enzymes. Early severity assessment is crucial for management, as severe cases lead to complications and mortality. While various scoring systems exist, the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) and APACHE-II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) scores are commonly used, each with unique advantages and limitations in severity prediction. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of BISAP and APACHE-II scores in predicting acute pancreatitis severity, helping clinicians optimize treatment decisions. Methods: This observational study was conducted at SMS Hospital, Jaipur, involving 76 patients diagnosed with AP based on clinical, biochemical, and imaging criteria. Participants were assessed using both BISAP and APACHE-II scoring within 24 hours of admission, with a focus on accuracy in predicting severe cases and outcomes. Results: Among participants, the mean age was 43 years, and 84.2% were male. Gallstone disease was the leading cause of AP (55.2%), followed by alcohol (34.2%). BISAP scores ≥3 was associated with significantly higher mortality, highlighting BISAP’s predictive accuracy. The mean BISAP score was 1.86 ± 1.09, while the APACHE-II score was 6.97 ± 5.66, indicating more severe classifications using BISAP. The study found a moderate positive correlation between BISAP and APACHE-II scores, though only BISAP scores significantly predicted patient outcomes. Conclusion: BISAP offers a rapid and accurate assessment tool for AP severity, especially suitable for early intervention in high-risk patients. Compared to APACHE-II, BISAP is simpler, cost-effective, and demonstrates a high negative predictive value, making it more practical for acute settings.

Preoperative mortality risk evaluation in abdominal surgical emergencies: development and internal validation of the NDAR score from a national multicenter audit in Senegal

IntroductionAbdominal surgical emergencies have a high mortality rate. Effective management primarily relies on the early identification of patients at high risk of postoperative complications. The objective of our study was to determine the prognostic factors associated with poor outcomes from abdominal surgical emergencies in Senegal and to establish a predictive score for mortality for preoperative risk evaluation (NDAR (New Death Assessment Risk) score).MethodologyThis was a retrospective national cross-sectional study conducted over one year in 14 regions of Senegal. Adult patients (aged > 15 years) who presented with a traumatic or non-traumatic abdominal surgical emergency were included. The studied variables included clinical and paraclinical data. The variable of interest was death within 30 days of the surgery. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors independently associated with mortality. Risk factors identified after logistic regression analysis were weighted using odds ratio (OR) values rounded to the nearest whole number. The predictive capacity of the score was evaluated by analyzing the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve based on the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsA total of 1114 patient records were included, with a mortality rate of 4.4%. Diagnoses were observed in patients included appendicitis in 39.8% of cases (n = 444), followed by peritonitis in 22.3% (n = 249), intestinal obstruction in 18.5% (n = 205), strangulated hernias in 10.5% (n = 117), and abdominal trauma in 6.1%. Logistic regression, established the following scores: age > 40 years (score 2), ASA status grade 2 or higher (score 1), presence of a positive QSIRS score (score 2), diagnosis of peritonitis (score 2), diagnosis of intestinal obstruction (score 1), and the presence of intestinal necrosis (score 3). The score is positive if the total is strictly greater than 5, indicating a 17.7% risk of mortality. This score had a high predictive capacity with an AUC of 0.7397.ConclusionThis study enabled the establishment of a score that allows for the early identification of at-risk patients, even in constrained resource settings, facilitating appropriate perioperative management and timely surgical intervention to reduce the risk of complications. This approach, focused on early recognition of high-risk patients, is crucial for improving clinical outcomes in abdominal surgical emergencies.

Acute Appendicitis at the Bougouni Reference Health Center

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the vermicular appendix. The objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, anatomo-pathological, and therapeutic aspects of appendicitis. Methodology: We carried out a prospective study from January 2020 to December 2020. Results: We listed 60 cases of acute appendicitis which represented 34.4% of surgical emergencies. The average age was 30.9 years. There is a predominance of men with a sex ratio of 1.61. The average consultation time was 2 days. The clinical manifestation was pain in the right iliac fossa. Abdominal ultrasound revealed thickening of the appendicular wall in 55 (91.67%) of cases. The blood count showed hyperleukocytosis in 59 (98.3%). The Alvarado score was between 08 -10 in 57 (95%) of cases. The appendix was laterocecal in 36 (60%) of cases. Appendectomy with burial of the stump was performed in 40 (66.7%), appendectomy without burial in 20 (33.3%). The postoperative complication was parietal abscess 1 (1.66%). Mortality was 0%. Conclusion: Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency in our department. Early treatment would help reduce complications.

ACUTE APPENDICITIS, PANORAMIC REVIEW

Introduction: appendicitis is distinguished by inflammation of the vermiform appendix and usually shows acutely within the first 24 hours. Acute appendicitis is the main source of abdominal surgery in children and the most common abdominal surgical emergency around the globe. Objective: to detail the current information related to acute appendicitis, etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, histopathology, anamnesis, physical examination, evaluation, treatment and complications of the disease. Methodology: a total of 37 articles were analyzed in this review, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 25 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: acute appendicitis, abdominal pain, appendix, abdominal surgery, acute abdominal treatment. Results: appendectomy by open laparotomy or laparoscopy is the standard treatment for acute appendicitis, however, intravenous antibiotics are exceptionally considered as first line therapy in individuals. The incidence of acute appendicitis varies from 100 to 223 new cases per 100,000 people per year. This disease can occur at any age, however it is most commonly seen in the age range of 5 to 45 years. The lifetime incidence of acute appendicitis is 8.6% in men and 6.7% in women. The risk of appendiceal rupture may vary with 2% of cases being frequently perforated 36 hours after the onset of symptoms. Conclusions: It is of vital importance to recognize the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical picture and tests that support the diagnostic decision in any case of acute abdomen, especially in cases of acute appendicitis, because an accurate diagnosis will lead us to a rapid intervention, adequate treatment, reducing the risk of mortality and the risk of potential complications in the affected individual. Diagnostic tests and scales play an important role in the diagnosis. The efficacy of antibiotics as primary treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis has been extensively investigated, with conflicting and mixed results and conclusions. Comparing the results between individuals who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy and those who underwent open appendectomy, the former group showed a lower incidence of wound infection, a lower level of postoperative analgesic requirement and shorter postoperative hospital stays in the former group, with the main disadvantage being the longer operative time. KEY WORDS: appendicitis, pain, appendix, surgery.

Early surgical outcomes of children with mechanical intestinal obstruction at Moi teaching and referral hospital, Kenya

Background: Intestinal obstruction constitutes the largest proportion of abdominal surgical emergencies in the paediatric and adult patients in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya. It is associated with high postoperative surgical complication and mortality rate in low resource healthcare systems. Methods: A prospective mixed methods study with consecutive sampling procedure was carried out from September 2021 to June 2023. Pediatric patients from birth to 14 years, with mechanical intestinal obstruction were included in the study. Categorical data was analyzed in frequencies and percentages and continuous data was analyzed using measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Bivariate and multivariate associations between the dependent and independent variables were assessed with a p value of less than 0.05 being statistically significant. Results: The final study population was 318 participants. Majority of participants were male with neonates comprising almost one third of participants. Classical symptoms were present in a majority of patients at initial presentation. Intussusception (34.6%) was the leading acquired aetiology of paediatric mechanical intestinal obstruction. Operative surgical management was in 94.6% of participants. Surgical complications were present in 61.1% of participants. The commonest surgical complication was surgical site infection in 16.9%. Overall mortality rate was 10.2% with 23.3% among neonates and 4.9% in older children. Referral status was statistically associated with mortality (p&lt;0.001). Intestinal atresia had the highest case-specific mortality rate. Age, presence of comorbidity were factors associated to postoperative complications and mortality (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The overall mortality rate was 10.2%. A higher mortality was seen among neonates compared to older children.

Hemoperitoneum: Frequency, Management and Prognostic Factors in the General Surgery Department Hospital National Ignace Deen, CHU de Conakry, Guinea

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aim&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: To report our experience in the management of haemoperitoneum in the general surgery department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Patients and methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study, covering a period of 5 years, from January 2017 to December 2021, carried out in the general surgery department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. All records of patients admitted for hemoperitoneum were included. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: During the five (5) years, 120 cases of hemoperitoneum were collected, representing 1.1% of all abdominal surgical emergencies. The mean age of the patients was 24 ± 16.83 years. The patients were predominantly male, with a sex ratio M/F: 1,05. The average admission time was 32.1 hours. Haemoperitoneum was traumatic in 58.33% of cases. Road traffic accidents accounted for 35.83% of cases. Treatment was surgical in 81 patients (69.23%). The main anatomopathological lesions found were: rupture of ectopic pregnancy (33.33%), rupture of the spleen (17.5%). The procedures performed were: salpingectomy (61.72%), splenectomy (23.45%). The prognostic factors were: age greater than 30 years, admission time greater than 48 hours, large haemoperitoneum. Post-operative management was straightforward in 92.50% of cases with a death rate of 4.17%. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Hemoperitoneum is a frequent occurrence in the department. Treatment was surgical with hemostasis, salpingectomy and splenectomy. Prognostic factors were age, admission time and quantity of hemoperitoneum.

Idiopathic enterocolic intussusception: imaging findings in an abdominal emergency

Adult intussusceptions are a rare cause of abdominal obstruction and are usually associated with a neoplastic disease; idiopathic forms are extremely rare. We report a case of enterocolic intussusception in a young woman who experienced symptoms of abdominal obstruction. Imaging findings were reported. On histological examination, no underlying diseases were found. The patient presented at the hospital for computed tomography because of persistent abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed an enterocolic invagination involving the ileocecal valve and cecum and widespread edematous thickening of the colonic parietal walls. Idiopathic enterocolic intussusception is an uncommon abdominal urgency in adults. Symptoms can be vague and persistent, delaying an accurate diagnosis. Imaging is crucial in these circumstances to make a diagnosis. Some computed tomography findings, such as a target-like bulk, may be suggestive.

Classic triad of intussusception in patients aged 0 to 2 years in a tertiary hospital

Intussusception is an infantile abdominal emergency where one portion of the intestine is introduced into another, varying its incidence according to the region. This study will focus on characterizing and analyzing cases of intussusception in children treated at the Antiguo Hospital Civil of Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde" between 2019 and 2024. The aim is to quantify the cases, describe the symptoms, and identify seasonal patterns. Methods: A total of 82 children aged 0 to 2 years with a diagnosis of intussusception were included in the Antiguo Hospital Civil Hospital of Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde", from January 1, 2019 to May 31, 2024. Sex, age, symptoms, type of management implemented, type of research, recurrent intussusception, association between therapeutic management and recurrent intussusception were reviewed, seasonal pattern, mortality. Results: A total of 82 children aged 0 to 2 years, with a median age of 7 months, were included. 50% were boys and 50% girls. 65 presented vomiting, 62 abdominal pain and 75 bloody stools; 6 children showed a single symptom, 32 had two, and 44 exhibited the complete triad. Use of laparotomy in 48.8% of cases, hydroenema in 28%. Ileoechocolic intussusception was the most common (50%), followed by ileocolic (40%). A seasonal pattern was observed, with 49 cases in the first six months of the year, with February standing out with 10 cases. Fisher's exact test showed a moderate association between therapeutic management and recurrence of intussusception (p=0.018). There was a mortality rate of 24.39%.

Damage control surgery in non-traumatic abdominal emergencies: prognostic value of SOFA, APACHEII, and Mannheim peritonitis index.

This study aimed to analyze the prognostic value of the SOFA, APACHE II, and MPI (Mannheim Peritonitis Index) scores in the indication for Damage Control Surgery (DCS) in non-trauma. Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing DCS between 2014 and 2019. SOFA and APACHE II scores were calculated using parameters preceding DCS, while MPI was based on surgical descriptions. Statistical analysis: Qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and quantitative variables using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The Student's T test was employed for mean comparisons. The sample comprised 104 patients (59 males), with a median age of 63.5years, of whom 52 (50%) were ASA IV. Operative findings leading to DCS included peritonitis (54; 51.9%), intestinal ischemia (39; 37.5%), inability to close the abdomen (8; 7.6%), and bleeding (3; 2.9%). The mortality rate was 75% (78/104). Thirty patients (28.8%) died after DCS; the remainder underwent one (35; 33.6%), two (21; 20.2%); three (8; 7.7%), and four or more (10;9.7%) revision procedures. The median lengths of ICU and hospital stays were 12.5 and 20.5days, respectively. The median score values were as follows: SOFA: 12 (0-38), APACHE II: 25 (2-47), and MPI: 26 (8-43). Besides ASA classification (p = 0.03), mortality risk was influenced by: age (≤ 65years vs. > 65years; p = 0.04), SOFA (≤ 10 vs. > 10; p = 0.03), APACHE II (≤ 25 vs. > 25; p = 0.04), and MPI (≤ 25 vs. > 25; p = 0.003). The SOFA, APACHE II, and MPI scores proved to be valuable tools in the prognostic assessment of patients undergoing DCS in non-traumatic abdominal emergencies.

Organization of abdominal emergency surgical care across healthcare services in Senegal: a cross-sectional nationwide survey

IntroductionStudying surgical services and the workforce in sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for enhancing access to quality surgical care in the region. Despite many recommendations to produce evidence based on reliable data on this subject to guide policymakers, there is still a knowledge gap on this topic. The aim of this nationwide survey was to describe the organization of abdominal emergency surgical care across healthcare services in Senegal.MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional nationwide survey. The study period was between October 1st, 2023, and January 20th, 2024. The target population included all registered healthcare facilities in Senegal offering emergency surgical services. A structured questionnaire was designed to gather infrastructure-related data, surgical activities, and human resources.ResultsAll 33 identified healthcare facilities responded to the survey (100%). Emergency abdominal surgery services were available for 96.7% of the surveyed structures. The teams were mainly composed of surgeons and residents (45.2%) or surgeons and medical trainees (48.8%). The average bed capacity of the services was 21.9, with a standard deviation of 13.9. The absence of a dedicated hospitalization section for patients requiring special monitoring was found in 69.6% of the facilities. Operating rooms dedicated to emergency abdominal digestive surgery were present in 54.6% of the services. On average, the services performed 17.6 scheduled surgical interventions with a standard deviation of 11.5 and 29.7 emergency surgical interventions with a standard deviation of 16.8 per month. Morbidity and mortality conferences were not routinely held in the majority of departments (only 27.3%). Professional development programmes were present only in 24.2% of departments. Most of the departments did not have adequate human resources (69.6%). A total of 70 surgeons were identified, resulting in a national ratio of 0.39 general surgeons per 100,000 inhabitants. The strategies employed to address staff shortages included additional working hour by staff (54.5%), temporary workers (30.3%) or the use of trainee doctors or nurses (12.1%).ConclusionThis research shows that significant deficiencies are present in the essential physical and human resources needed to conduct fundamental life-saving surgical procedures. These findings suggest potential areas for improvement in the delivery of emergency surgical care in the region.

The Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Abdominal Emergencies in Jakarta, Indonesia

Introduction: Pediatric abdominal emergencies demand swift and accurate diagnosis for optimal management. In resource-constrained settings, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing and managing pediatric abdominal emergencies in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years) presenting with acute abdominal pain to a tertiary care hospital in Jakarta from 2018 to 2023 was conducted. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, ultrasound findings, final diagnosis, and management decisions. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasound for various abdominal emergencies were calculated. Results: A total of 543 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses were appendicitis (n=187, 34.4%), intussusception (n=82, 15.1%), and gastroenteritis (n=75, 13.8%). Ultrasound demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing appendicitis (92% and 88%, respectively), intussusception (95% and 90%), and free fluid in the abdomen (98% and 94%). POCUS influenced management decisions in 68% of cases, including expediting surgery or avoiding unnecessary interventions. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and management of pediatric abdominal emergencies in Jakarta. Its high sensitivity and specificity, coupled with its point-of-care availability, make it particularly useful in resource-limited settings.

EP202 - Mesh-Mediated Fascial Traction (MMFT) and Negative Pressure Abdominal Dressing (ABTHERA): Useful in Difficult Open Abdomens?

Abstract Background Challenging abdominal surgical emergencies may require an 'Open Abdomen (OA)' as a life-saving procedure. OA has serious complications: wound infection, fluid and protein loss, catabolic state, loss of abdominal domain, and entero-atmospheric fistula. To assess the efficacy of mesh-mediated fascial traction (MMFT) &amp; Abthera Dressing in achieving definitive abdominal closures. Patients and Method Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 6 patients managed between August and November 23 in a large DGH. Following laparotomy and management of primary pathology, Abthera Dressing combined with bilateral continuous 2-0 PDS suture fixation at 0.5cm gap of macroporous Prolene (Merinium, Meril Life) meshes to each rectus sheath followed by sequential midline mesh traction closure over a time period that allowed subsequent definitive abdominal wound closure. Data collection included patient demographics (age, sex, BMI, ASA), intervention details for OA, wound characteristics, follow-up, and outcome. Results Six included M: F 4:2, age 61* (40-76 ) years, BMI 30* ( 24-35), ASA 3. Three were strangulated incisional hernia, 2 burst abdomens from faecal peritonitis, and 1 necrotizing fasciitis. Initial wound length 25*(20-32) cm, width 12.5* (4-17) cm after management of primary pathology reduced to width 4.5* (0-9) cm through MMFT and Abthera Dressing followed by definitive abdominal closure. Relook surgery required were 4* (1-9) with one full and 4 bridged mesh closures. Length of stay 39* (14-74) days. One death from respiratory failure. Conclusion The study highlights the benefit of MMFT &amp; Abthera Dressing in achieving definitive abdominal closure for challenging OA where primary abdominal closure was not possible. * Median

Pathogenic Bacteria Associated With Acute Appendicitis: A Review Article

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies, yet the cause is still not clearly understood. The most accepted theory is based on luminal obstruction, but obstructive fecaliths are found in only a portion of the patients. In fact, the bacterial etiology of appendicitis may be more common than fecal-foreign body. Literature was searched for studies that isolated bacteria from the appendix using either culturing techniques or molecular techniques and were case-control in nature. The main scope of this review is to provide an overview of the studies conducted regarding the role of bacteria in the causation of appendicitis, as well as to review recent molecular studies.

Emergency robotic surgery: the experience of a single center and review of the literature

BackgroundsLaparoscopic surgery is widely used in abdominal emergency surgery (AES), and the possibility of extending this approach to the more recent robotic surgery (RS) arouses great interest. The slow diffusion of robotic technology mainly due to high costs and the longer RS operative time when compared to laparoscopy may represent disincentives, especially in AES. This study aims to report our experience in the use of RS in AES assessing its safety and feasibility, with particular focus on intra- and post-operative complications, conversion rate, and surgical learning curve. Our data were also compared to other experiences though an extensive literature review.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed a single surgeon series of the last 10 years. From January 2014 to December 2023, 36 patients underwent urgent or emergency RS. The robotic devices used were Da Vinci Si (15 cases) and Xi (21 cases).Results36 (4.3%) out of 834 robotic procedures were included in our analysis: 20 (56.56%) females. The mean age was 63 years and 30% of patients were ≥ 70 years. 2 (5.55%) procedures were performed at night. No conversions to open were reported in this series. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, 2 (5.5%) major complications were collected. Intraoperative and 30-day mortality were 0%.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that RS may be a useful and reliable approach also to AES and intraoperative laparoscopic complications when performed in selected hemodynamically stable patients in very well-trained robotic centers. The technology may increase the minimally invasive use and conversion rate in emergent settings in a completely robotic or hybrid approach.

Patient safety in remote primary care encounters: multimethod qualitative study combining Safety I and Safety II analysis

BackgroundTriage and clinical consultations increasingly occur remotely. We aimed to learn why safety incidents occur in remote encounters and how to prevent them.Setting and sampleUK primary care. 95 safety incidents...

Practice patterns and clinical outcomes in acute appendicitis differ in the elderly patient.

Appendicitis is the most frequent global abdominal surgical emergency. An ageing population, who often exhibit atypical symptoms and delayed presentations, challenge conventional diagnostic and treatment paradigms. This study aims to delineate disparities in presentation, management, and outcomes between elderly patients and younger adults suffering from acute appendicitis. This subgroup analysis forms part of ESTES SnapAppy, a time-bound multi-center prospective, observational cohort study. It includes patients aged 15years and above who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy during a defined 90-day observational period across multiple centers. Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate tests with significance set at p < 0.05. The study cohort comprised 521 elderly patients (≥65years) and 4,092 younger adults (18-64years). Elderly patients presented later (mean duration of symptoms: 7.88 vs. 3.56days; p < 0.001) and frequently required computed tomography (CT) scans for diagnosis (86.1% vs. 54.0%; p < 0.001). The incidence of complicated appendicitis was higher in the elderly (46.7% vs. 20.7%; p < 0.001). Delays in surgical intervention were notable in the elderly (85.0% operated within 24h vs. 88.7%; p = 0.018), with longer operative times (71.1 vs. 60.3min; p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were significantly higher in the elderly (27.9% vs. 12.9%; p < 0.001), including severe complications (6.9% vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stays (7.9 vs. 3.6days; p < 0.001). Our findings highlight significant differences in the clinical course and outcomes of acute appendicitis in the elderly compared to younger patients, suggesting a need for age-adapted diagnostic pathways and treatment strategies to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Introducing AEM-RADS: A novel reporting and data system for abdominal emergencies.

The Reporting and Data System (RADS) has proven successful in various medical settings, but a standardized reporting system for abdominal emergencies is lacking. In this study, the Abdominal Emergency Reporting and Data System (AEM-RADS) for urgent findings on abdominal CT scans is introduced to address the need for consistency in emergency radiology. In this prospective observational study, conducted over a six-month period, the urgency of abdominal CT scans was assessed using the proposed AEM-RADS scoring system. The committee developed a scale ranging from AEM-RADS 1 (normal) to AEM-RADS 5 (urgent disease). Interobserver agreement between two observers with different experience was evaluated, and robust AEM-RADS reference values were established by radiologists who were not observers. Statistical analysis used mean, standard deviations and Kendall's tau analysis for interobserver agreement. Among 2656 patients who underwent CT for abdominal emergencies, the AEM-RADS distribution was 17.50% AEM-RADS 1, 28.57% AEM-RADS 2, 7.22% AEM-RADS 3, 35.61% AEM-RADS 4, and 11.06% AEM-RADS 5. Interobserver agreement was high, especially for urgent and emergent cases (p < 0.0001). Notable discrepancies were observed in AEM-RADS categories 2C-D and 3B-C, emphasizing the influence of radiologists' experience on interpretation. However, the interobserver agreement for both AEM-RADS 2C-D and 3B-C were statistically significant (p < 0.001). AEM-RADS showed promising reliability, particularly in identifying urgent and emergent cases. Despite some inter-observer discrepancies, the system showed potential for standardized emergency workups. AEM-RADS could significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy in abdominal emergencies and provide a structured framework for shared decision-making between clinicians and radiologists.0.

The Role of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in Predicting Complicated Appendicitis in Children.

Acute appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency observed in emergency departments (ED). Distinguishing between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis is important in determining a treatment strategy. Serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is an inflammatory biomarker. We aimed to determine the role of VCAM-1 in predicting complicated appendicitis in children. Pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis admitted to the ED were enrolled in this prospective study. Pre-surgical serum VCAM-1 was tested in children with acute appendicitis within 72 h of symptoms (from day 1 to day 3). Serum VCAM-1 levels were further analyzed and compared between patients with and without complicated appendicitis. Among the 226 pediatric appendicitis patients, 70 had uncomplicated appendicitis, 138 had complicated appendicitis, and 18 had normal appendices. The mean serum VCAM-1 levels in patients with perforated appendicitis were higher than in those with simple appendicitis (p < 0.001). On day 1 to day 3, the mean VCAM-1 levels in patients with complicated appendicitis were all significantly higher than in those with uncomplicated appendicitis (all p < 0.001). Serum VCAM-1 levels may be helpful in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in children and could predict appendiceal perforation.