Laparoscopic Appendectomy Research Articles

Effects of Intraoperative Lignocaine Infusion on Heamodynamics and Postoperative Analgesic Requirement after Day Case Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:Intravenous lignocaine is an amide local anaesthetic known for its analgesic, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic properties. During perioperative period of laparoscopic surgeries haemodynamic alteration occurs due to laryngoscopy, intubation, and surgical excision, gas insufflation during pneumoperitoneum, inadequate analgesia and inadequate depth of anaesthesia. Intravenous lignocaine is often administered to suppress the haemodynamic response and as an analgesic agent. We aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous infusion of lignocaine on haemodynamic response and post-operative analgesic requirement. Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous infusion of lignocaine on haemodynamic and postoperative analgesic requirements after laparoscopic day case surgeries. Material and method:Four hundred Sixty (460) patients were selected who’s were going to be operated for laparoscopic surgeries (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, laparoscopic Hernioplasty, laparoscopic appendicectomy, Diagnostic laparoscopy due to infertility) were grouped into exposed (Group L) who were received lignocaine infusion @1mg/kg/hr and controlled (Group C) who were received placebo. Systematic random sampling was employed. Results:Demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups p>0.05. In lignocaine group intraoperative mean systolic blood pressure, mean diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and mean heart rate were significantly lower than control group (p<0.05). Twenty four hour mean VAS score (0 – 10 cm) at immediate recovery, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th hour were lower in lignocaine group (p<0.05). The mean time of first analgesic requirement were longer (120 minutes) in lignocaine group compared to 40 minutes in control group (p<0.001) and the mean total tramadol consumption is less in lignocaine group (p<0.001). Conclusion:Intra operative lignocaine infusion causes more haemodynamic stability and decreases postoperative pain score, required longer time for first analgesic requirement and reduced total analgesic consumption in laparoscopic surgeries. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 312-320

Management and outcomes of acute appendicitis in children with congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) care has evolved during the past decades. Advances in care have contributed to improved survival among CHD patients. Children with CHD are requiring interventions for non-CHD related medical issues that occur in the general pediatric population. A retrospective review of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database from January 1, 2004, to July 31, 2023. Discharges of patients with an admitting/principal diagnosis of appendicitis were evaluated and categorized as CHD or non-CHD. A total of 319,228 patients were identified with 1,25,858(39.4%) female, 1,38,966(43.5%) white, and median age of 11[IQR:8-14] years. 708(0.2%) had CHD with 85(12%) of them having a diagnosis consistent with single-ventricle CHD (SV-CHD). In univariate analysis, CHD patients were more likely to undergo conservative treatment (n = 172(24.2%)vs n = 59,358(18.6%)) and less likely to undergo laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 483(68.2%) vs n = 2,35,324(73.8%))(p < 0.001) compared to non-CHD. After adjustment, CHD patients had increased odds of undergoing open appendectomy compared to non-CHD. CHD patients were more likely to have an ICU admission (OR:8.36(95%CI 6.35-10.00),p < 0.001) and had a 77.6%(95%CI 40.89-123.93) increase in length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001). CHD patients are more likely to have an open appendectomy than non-CHD patients. These findings suggest a distinctive pattern in the care of CHD patients compared to non-CHD. Overall, CHD patients had a more intense level of care with longer LOS and increased ICU admissions. Further work is needed to evaluate drivers of management decisions, the role of conservative treatment with antibiotics alone in the CHD population, and the potential impacts and safety of a laparoscopic approach.

Towards Sustainable Surgery: Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Benefits of Transumbilical Laparoscopic Appendectomy vs 3-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Towards Sustainable Surgery: Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Benefits of Transumbilical Laparoscopic Appendectomy vs 3-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Trial of an Inexpensive Training Simulation Model for Laparoscopic Appendicectomy.

Introduction Laparoscopic surgery is now the gold standard for many common procedures; however, there has been a lack of emphasis on laparoscopic training at the junior level. Simulation is an effective form of training in surgery, but surgical simulation models and courses can be expensive and inaccessible to medical students and foundation doctors. With procedures becoming more minimally invasive, it is key that we train laparoscopic skills at an earlier stage; and to do so, we need to remove the barriers of cost and accessibility. Our study aims to develop and assess the effectiveness of a simulated laparoscopic appendicectomy training model in developing laparoscopic knowledge, skills, and confidence in a cohort of foundation doctors. Methods A simulated mesoappendix model was fashioned from supermarket chicken wings with the bone removed, and it was put inside a laparoscopic box trainer with laparoscopic tools and equipment. This was trialed in a surgical-themed hub day for foundation doctors in the East of England Deanery, UK, and the simulated model was set up as a workshop following a teaching session detailing the steps of a laparoscopic appendicectomy. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-session to assess perceived skills, experience, and confidence in laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic skills, and the usefulness of this training model. Results A total of 29 foundation doctors with limited formal surgical training completed the survey. The model is quick to prepare and assemble, costing around £0.30 ($0.40). Trainees found the model acceptable and helpful in developing their laparoscopic skills and knowledge of laparoscopic surgery. There was also an increase in self-perceived confidence in performing laparoscopic procedures under supervision. Discussion This modification to the model allows the dissection and division of a simulated mesoappendix using only laparoscopic scissors and forceps in a box trainer. This simulation model is a promising and inexpensive tool which can be used for early-stage laparoscopic training for medical students and junior doctors.

ACUTE EOSINOPHILIC APPENDICITIS IN A CHILD WITH NORMAL TOTAL LEUKOCYTE COUNT AND ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILIC COUNT

Abstract Introduction/Objective Eosinophilic appendicitis is a rare condition with a reported incidence of 0.03% to 1.2%, and often presents with clinical manifestations indistinguishable from acute appendicitis. Eosinophilic appendicitis may be associated with a localized allergic phenomenon. Methods/Case Report We present a 13-year-old male with ~24-hour history of constipation who was brought to the emergency department because of right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He was afebrile and had no antecedent of atopy or parasitic infestation. Laboratory investigation revealed an elevated C-reactive protein: 0.7 mg/dL [0.0-0.3]; mildly decreased hemoglobin: 12.2 g/dL [12.6 -16.8]; normal white blood cell count: 9.7 x10 3/mcL [3.2-10.6]; eosinophil count:1.7% [&amp;lt;5] and mildly elevated monocyte count: 0.9 x103/mcL [0.2-0.7]. Ultrasound examination revealed a non-compressible 7mm in diameter hyperemic appendix. The laparoscopic appendectomy specimen measured 9.5 cm long by 0.8 cm in diameter. The serosa was focally congested and there was mild mural thickening but no obvious sign of active appendicitis. Microscopic examination showed focally abundant mucosal eosinophils and a considerable sprinkling of eosinophils throughout the muscularis propria. No intraluminal parasite or neutrophilic associated mucosal damage was seen. The final diagnosis was: Acute Eosinophilic Appendicitis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) N/A Conclusion Among the many and still intriguing causes of appendicitis is acute eosinophilic appendicitis. Eosinophils exert homeostatic roles in the normal host and pathological eosinophil-mediated processes over different tissues and their varied milieu. While this patient did not have any evidence of allergy, parasitic infestation, or elevated eosinophilic count in his work up, the presentation of acute appendicitis without an increase in total leukocytic count may alert for the possibility of an eosinophilic appendicitis. Conceivably, eosinophil mediators, such as IL-5, IL-33, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and eotaxin-1 determine eosinophil behavior in a rarified appendix microenvironment.

Congenital Appendiceal Atresia: An Extremely Rare Disorder Presenting with Acute Abdomen

Abstract Introduction/Objective Congenital malformations of the appendix are extremely rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. One of those anomalies include congenital appendiceal atresia (CAA) which mimics acute appendicitis and is usually ignored in the differentials of acute abdomen. Herein, we present a case study of congenital appendiceal atresia associated with periappendicitis. Methods/Case Report A 62-year-old female with past history of diverticulitis presented with complaints of crampy, diffuse and progressive lower abdominal pain and nausea for two days. She denied fevers, chills or change in bowel movements. Physical examination revealed vitally stable patient with soft, non-distended and tender abdomen in bilateral lower quadrants, worse on the right side and showing positive rebound test. Her complete blood count and chemistry were within normal limits. A computerized tomography arterial portography (CTAP) scan with contrast demonstrated inflammatory stranding around the appendix without abscess, concerning for acute appendicitis. She then underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Grossly, the appendix consisted of a cylindrical portion of yellow-pink fatty tissue covered by peritoneum measuring 6.2 x 3.3 x 0.5 cm. The peritoneal surface displayed patchy fibrinous exudates. Sectioning revealed yellow adipose tissue with no identifiable appendix. Microscopically, the entire specimen demonstrated a poorly formed, mainly fatty appendix without a discernible lumen or submucosal lymphoid tissue. There were scattered sparsely distributed non-continuous bundles of smooth muscle (muscularis propria) at the periphery, which were highlighted by desmin and trichrome stains. This atretic appendix, mesoappendix and peritoneal covering were acutely inflamed. The final diagnosis was poorly formed, acutely inflamed fatty appendix consistent with congenital appendiceal atresia with accompanying acute periappendicitis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion This case would add to the very limited existing literature for congenital appendiceal anomalies and highlight the importance of thorough surgical intraoperative abdominal exploration and submission of the entire specimen for microscopic examination in order to render a definitive diagnosis.

Hand Surgical Operating Room Size Allocation: A Comparative Space Utilisation Study.

Background: This study evaluated operating room (OR) space required for various hand surgical procedures. We analysed the size requirements for hand surgical cases divided into four settings: (1) large OR setting requiring fluoroscopy and microsurgical equipment, (2) medium-sized OR setting for cases requiring fluoroscopy, (3) smaller OR setting and (4) minor procedural room without anaesthesia with the aim to describe room size requirements for hand surgery practices. Methods: A variety of hand surgical cases were selected: large cases (microvascular digit replantation), medium-sized cases (closed reduction percutaneous pinning [CRPP] of phalangeal fractures) and smaller cases (carpal tunnel release [CTR]) with and without anaesthesia. Space requirements were compared to general surgery cases (laparoscopic appendectomy) and general orthopaedic surgery cases (cephalomedullary nail [CMN]). Necessary operative equipment was measured (ft2) to calculate requirements for each procedure. Results: Large hand cases such as digit replantation necessitated the most OR space (125 ft2), followed by general orthopaedic cases (CMN; 118 ft2), medium-sized hand cases (CRPP phalanx; 107 ft2), general surgery laparoscopic appendectomy (68 ft2), small hand cases (CTR; 85 ft2) and minor procedures (49 ft2). Conclusions: Hand procedures can be divided into major procedures requiring significant OR space (125 ft2), medium procedures in standard OR suites (107 ft2), procedures in small ORs with anaesthesia (81 ft2) or office-based setting without anaesthesia (49 ft2). These findings help define space utilisation for hand procedures and may have practical implications related to efficiency, cost and patient safety in the hospital and outpatient setting. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Economic and Decision Analyses).

Association between body composition and incisional surgical site infection after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis

PurposeSurgical site infection (SSI) is common after laparoscopic appendectomy, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased costs. This study examined the relationship between body composition parameters and risk of incisional SSI in patients with complicated appendicitis.MethodsWe included 411 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis at a single institution between March 2015 and October 2023. Body composition parameters were derived from preoperative computed tomography (CT). A nomogram was constructed based on the independent predictors of incisional SSI.ResultsOverall, 45 (10.9%) patients developed incisional SSI. Visceral fat area (VFA) was independently associated with risk of incisional SSI (hazard ratio 1.015, 95% confidence interval 1.010–1.020, P < 0.001). A nomogram integrating VFA and two other independent predictors (diabetes and conversion) demonstrated high discriminative (area under the curve = 0.793) and calibration abilities.ConclusionsCT-derived VFA could be a valuable predictor of incisional SSI in patients with complicated appendicitis undergoing laparoscopic surgery. A VFA-based nomogram may help in identifying patients at high risk of SSI.

Postoperative recovery in peroral versus intravenous antibiotic treatment following laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis: a substudy of a cluster randomized cluster crossover non-inferiority study.

Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain requiring surgery, usually managed with laparoscopic appendectomy. In Denmark, the standard postoperative treatment for complicated cases involves intravenous antibiotics. This study compares peroral versus intravenous antibiotics in the context of fast-track surgery and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of peroral versus intravenous antibiotics on patient-reported outcomes following laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. This was a sub-study within a broader Danish cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial conducted at Zealand University Hospital, focusing on adult patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. Participants were randomized into two groups: one receiving a three-day course of peroral antibiotics and the other intravenous antibiotics after surgery. Recovery quality was assessed on the third postoperative day using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire. The study included 54 patients, 23 in the peroral and 31 in the intravenous groups. The peroral group reported significantly better recovery outcomes, with higher QoR-15 scores (mean difference of 12 points, p < 0.001). They also experienced shorter hospital stays, averaging 47 h less than the intravenous group (p < 0.001). No significant differences between the groups were observed in readmissions or severe postoperative complications. Peroral antibiotic administration after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis significantly improves patient recovery and reduces hospital stay compared to intravenous antibiotics. These results advocate a potential shift towards peroral antibiotic use in postoperative care, aligning with ERAS principles. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04803422.

Appendicitis in children: correlation between the surgical and histological diagnosis

PurposeStudy was designed in order to evaluate the discrepancies between surgical and histological diagnosis in pediatric acute appendicitis (AA) and to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic (LA) and open appendectomies (OA).MethodsIn a retrospective observational cohort, AA patients were included under 18 years of age, operated between 2011 and 2020. Surgical diagnosis was defined by the operating surgeon. The histological findings were classified as uncomplicated and complicated AA. The LOS and complications were also statistically analyzed.ResultsAltogether, 1444 patients were included. Significant strong correlation and a moderate to substantial agreement were found between the surgeon’s and the histopathological findings in all appendectomy cases (weighted kappa value in OA: 0.633, LA: 0.639, total sample: 0.637). If the surgeon’s diagnosis was less severe than the pathologist’s, the LOS was 4 (3;7) days, whereas if the surgical diagnosis was correct, the LOS was 3 (3;5) days (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn contrary to the literature, our study revealed a strong correlation and moderate agreement between the intraoperative and histopathological findings regarding the severity of AA. Complicated cases are distinctly recognizable during the surgery. In case the surgeon underestimates the severity of AA, the chance of complications is higher.Level of evidence: II

A Low Prognostic Nutritional Index Level, an Independent Predictor for Postoperative Intra-abdominal Abscess After Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) is a very common postoperative complication after laparoscopic appendectomy and is associated with poor prognosis. This study retrospectively analyzed elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from 2015 to 2024, examining demographic, clinical, and laboratory data to identify IAA risk factors. Independent risk factors for IAA were screened and finally identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 37 patients developed IAA within postoperative 30 days, with an incidence of 9.6% (37/385). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated white blood cell (cut-off value: 13.35, sensitivity: 54.60%, specificity: 70.27%, P=0.003) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) (cut-off value: 41.95, sensitivity: 72.41%, specificity: 59.46%, P<0.0001) were 2 predictors for IAA with an area under the curve of 0.649 and 0.727, respectively. Based on the multivariate analysis, perforated appendicitis (odds ratio: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.15-5.32, P=0.021) and a lower PNI score (odds ratio: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.49-7.58, P=0.002) were 2 independent risk factors for IAA in elderly patients after laparoscopic appendectomy. Elderly patients with perforated appendicitis and a PNI score <41.95 have higher risks for IAA after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Pediatric Obesity's Effect on Open and Laparoscopic Appendectomy Outcomes

Pediatric Obesity's Effect on Open and Laparoscopic Appendectomy Outcomes

EFFECTIVENESS OF TOTAL LEUKOCYTE COUNT (TLC) AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP) IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS

Acute appendicitis is a typical surgical emergency. Diagnosing it can be challenging due to variable symptoms. Total leukocyte count (TLC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used to assess inflammation and guide treatment. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of TLC and CRP in acute appendicitis to determine appropriate management. Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TLC and CRP in predicting acute appendicitis and their role in determining the proper management approach, either conservative or surgical. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Ojha Campus, from July 2023 to March 2024. A total of 87 adult patients with clinical signs of appendicitis and an Alvarado score of greater than 4 were enrolled. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Variables included socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and levels of TLC and CRP. Both conservative and surgical management approaches were analysed, with laparoscopic appendectomy being the most common procedure. Results: Among the 87 patients, most were male. TLC and CRP levels were similar across genders, with notable variations in socio-demographic characteristics. CRP levels were more frequently elevated in patients managed conservatively compared to those managed surgically. Both TLC and CRP were elevated in 43 patients (49.4%), highlighting the value of using both markers together. Surgical intervention, primarily laparoscopic appendectomy, was the preferred treatment, with suppurative inflammation being the most common histopathological finding. Conclusion: The combination of TLC and CRP significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy for acute appendicitis. TLC correlates more strongly with the need for surgical intervention, whereas CRP did not show a significant association with management type. Both markers are useful in assessing the duration of the complaint, but they are not substitutes for clinical judgment. Further research is warranted to refine their diagnostic utility and evaluate their impact on surgical care availability in resource-limited settings.

Stump Appendicitis: A Complication of Post Appendectomy

Stump appendicitis is a rare but serious complication that can occur after an appendectomy, characterized by inflammation and infection of the remaining portion of the appendix (1). Patients typically present with symptoms similar to those of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. However, the diagnosis can be challenging because the patient has previously undergone an appendectomy, potentially leading to delays in treatment and increased risk of complications (1). In this case, a 38-year-old male, who had a smooth recovery following a laparoscopic appendectomy 15 years prior presented to the emergency department with worsening abdominal pain. Despite his initial postoperative recovery, he developed stump appendicitis, as confirmed by a CT scan. The condition was managed with antibiotics and a percutaneous drain, leading to significant improvement. He is now scheduled for a completed appendectomy to remove the remaining appendix stump. This case highlights the critical importance of including stump appendicitis in the differential diagnosis for patients with a history of appendectomy who present with acute abdominal pain. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent complications and ensure appropriate management.

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.

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestation mimicking acute appendicitis in two children from Palestine: a case report

BackgroundPinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, is a common parasitic illness, particularly among children in Palestine. On rare occasions, it can cause serious consequences such as acute appendicitis, which can still present a challenging diagnosis especially in children.Case presentationThis report describes two cases (a 9 year old male and a 11 year old female, both Palestinian children from Hebron district) of acute appendicitis referred to Queen Alia Hebron Governmental Hospital in Palestine. The clinical examination revealed a lower abdominal pain, and they were diagnosed with appendicitis. The pathological examination after appendectomy showed the presence of eggs and pinworms. Anthelminthic medication was provided, and they were followed up for 6 weeks after the operation without any incidents.ConclusionThese cases highlight the importance of considering Enterobius vermicularis infestation in children with abdominal pain, as the parasites can mimic appendicitis. Prompt recognition and cautious laparoscopic appendectomy are crucial to prevent unnecessary surgery and peritoneal contamination, with the infestation being easily treatable with anthelmintic medication.

Appendiceal Bleeding, A Rare Yet Important Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for 20 to 25% of all gastrointestinal bleedings. Appendiceal bleeding is a rare, yet important cause of lower gastrointestinal bleed; in many cases, it can be misdiagnosed as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Here, we present a case of appendiceal bleeding in an elderly female. A 79-year-old female presented with acute onset of gastrointestinal bleeding of same-day duration. Investigations showed that she had an appendiceal bleed originating from an ulcer secondary to a small appendicolith, which has passed through the appendiceal orifice, combined with her aspirin use. Within 12 hours, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. No evidence of malignancy or vascular malformation was detected, and the post-operative course was smooth, with resultant discharge at day 3 after her surgery. For lower gastrointestinal bleeding, it is crucial for the endoscopist to reach the terminal ileum during the colonoscopy, and thoroughly inspect the orifice of the appendix to assess any source of bleed including but not limited to Dieulafoy's lesion, angiodysplasia or any vascular malformation. An effective treatment option for appendiceal bleeding is surgical management with appendectomy. Alternative approaches such as vessel embolization and endoscopic treatment have been reported to successfully control bleeding; nevertheless, the risk of acute appendicitis and recurrent bleeding following these procedures can be challenging to manage, potentially leading the patient to still need a surgical treatment with an appendectomy. Appendiceal bleeding is a rare, yet important cause of lower gastrointestinal bleed; in many cases, it can be misdiagnosed as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

A comparative Clinical Trial of Laparoscopic Appendectomy versus Open Appendectomy in uncomplicated Cases

Background: Appendicitis is one of the most frequent causes of acute abdominal pain and usually leads to the surgery called appendectomy. Various advantages can be associated with laparoscopic appendectomy but possible disadvantages include longer operative time and complications. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to find out the differences between laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OP) in patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis focusing on operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, postoperative complication rates, and patient satisfaction. Methods: The present study was a comparative randomized clinical trial performed in Farooq Teaching Hospital and Hameed Latif Teaching Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. Two hundred patients with uncomplicated appendicitis were randomly chosen and divided into the laparoscopic appendectomy(n=100) and the open appendectomy(n=100). Primary outcomes were operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain as assessed by the Visual Analog Scale, and complications. Secondary measures were time to resume normal activities, and patients’ satisfaction, measured on a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and chi-square test were used for analysis and p≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Laparoscopic appendectomy took a relatively longer mean operative time (54. 9 ± 14. 2 min) in comparison with open appendectomy (31. 4 ± 11. 1 min) with p&lt;0.001 but overall, the patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy had lesser hospital stay (1. 4 ± 0. 6 days) than those who underwent open appendectomy (2.7 ± 2.5 days, p&lt;0.01). Patients were able to get back to their normal activities sooner (11. 5 ± 3. 1 days; 16. 1 ± 3. 3 days; t = -3. 80; p&lt;0.01) and expressed higher level of satisfaction (4.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7, p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Compared to open appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy has a longer operative time, but the advantages include less postoperative recovery time, less postoperative pain and higher postoperative patient satisfaction.

Are Preoperative CT Findings Useful in Predicting the Duration of Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Pediatric Patients? A Single Center Study.

Background/Objectives: Preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging plays a vital role in accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis and assessing the severity of the condition, as well as the complexity of the surgical procedure. CT imaging provides detailed information on the anatomical and pathological aspects of appendicitis, allowing surgeons to anticipate technical challenges and select the most appropriate surgical approach. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between preoperative CT findings and the duration of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in pediatric patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 104 pediatric patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis via contrast-enhanced CT who subsequently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) between November 2021 and February 2024. CT images were meticulously reviewed by two experienced radiologists blinded to the clinical and surgical outcomes. The severity of appendicitis was evaluated using a five-point scale based on the presence of periappendiceal fat, fluid, extraluminal air, and abscesses. Results: The average operation time was 51.1 ± 21.6 min. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between operation time and neutrophil count (p = 0.014), C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.002), symptom-to-operation time (p = 0.004), and appendix diameter (p = 0.017). The total CT score also showed a significant correlation with operation time (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that a symptom duration of more than 2 days (p = 0.047), time from CT to surgery (p = 0.039), and the presence of a periappendiceal abscess (p = 0.005) were independent predictors of prolonged operation time. In the perforated appendicitis group, the presence of a periappendiceal abscess on CT was significantly associated with prolonged operation time (p = 0.020). In the non-perforated group, the presence of periappendiceal fluid was significantly related to longer operation times (p = 0.026). Conclusions: In our study, preoperative CT findings, particularly the presence of a periappendiceal abscess, were significantly associated with prolonged operation times in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Elevated CRP levels, the time between CT imaging and surgery, and a symptom duration of more than 2 days were also found to significantly impact the procedure's duration.

Application of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopy in the treatment of complicated appendicitis in overweight/obese adolescents

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of complicated appendicitis in overweight/obese adolescents.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 226 adolescent patients with complicated appendicitis who were admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to June 2022. Among them, 102 cases underwent transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy as the observation group, and another 124 cases underwent conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy as the control group. The surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of incisional pain, postoperative flatus time, length of hospital stay, surgical site infection (SSI), satisfaction with cosmetic result, and occurrence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsBoth groups completed the surgery smoothly, and there were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, BMI, duration of illness, white blood cell count, and preoperative CRP value between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in surgical time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the observation group had shorter hospital stays, shorter duration of incisional pain, shorter postoperative time to flatus, and lower overall postoperative complication rates compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The observation group had higher satisfaction with cosmetic result compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Both groups were followed up for one year postoperatively, and there were no occurrences of residual appendicitis or severe adhesive intestinal obstruction.ConclusionWhen proficiently mastered, the application of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopy in the treatment of complicated appendicitis in overweight/obese adolescents offers advantages such as minimal trauma, rapid recovery, fewer complications, and improved aesthetic outcomes.