Acute Nonperforated Appendicitis Research Articles

THE OUTCOME OF ANTIBIOTICS VS OPEN APPENDECTOMY FOR ACUTE NON-PERFORATED APPENDICITIS

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. While appendectomy has been the conventional treatment for this condition, recent advancements in antibiotic therapy have led to exploring the use of antibiotics as a non-surgical alternative for treating non-complicated acute appendicitis. Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare the outcomes of administering antibiotics and performing emergency appendicectomy in a cohort of individuals diagnosed with non-perforated acute appendicitis based on CT evaluation. Methods: After the ethical approval from the institutional review board, this randomised control trial was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Jhelum from July 2022 to December 2023. The patients were randomly assigned, using a closed envelope method, to either have open appendectomy (Group A, n=60) or receive antibiotic therapy (Group B, n=60) with intravenous ertapenem. Open appendectomy was conducted utilising the McBurney technique. The patient’s outcomes were assessed during their hospitalization period, specifically on days 0, 1, and 2, and by telephone interviews one week and two months following the intervention. Pain scores were collected at two specific time points, one week and two months after randomisation, utilising a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics in both groups. Mean± S.D of the pain experience of the study participants in both groups was 4.16±1.04 and 3.68±1.02 (days) (P value=0.008). Mean± S.D of the hospital stay of the study participants in both groups was 3.13±0.87 and 3.16±0.83 (days) (P value=0.843). A significant difference in the VAS score was observed (p <0.0001) in the participants of both groups at discharge and after a one-week follow-up period. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that a significant proportion of individuals who received antibiotic therapy for non-perforated acute appendicitis did not necessitate the surgical procedure of appendectomy within the two-month post-treatment observation period.

Incidence and Management of Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumors in Pediatric Population: A Bicentric Experience with 6285 Appendectomies.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells and are the most common tumors of the appendix. NETs of the appendix usually cause no symptoms and often go unnoticed until they cause acute appendicitis or are discovered during an accidental appendectomy. As the trend towards the conservative treatment of acute appendicitis increases in the pediatric population, the question arises as to whether the majority of NETs go undetected and are only discovered at an advanced stage. The purpose of the proposed study is to review the incidence and outcomes of treatment for NETs of the appendix in children and include the data presented in the data pool for further review. From 1 January 2009 to 1 November 2023, a total of 6285 appendectomies were performed in two large pediatric centers in Croatia. After a retrospective review of the case records and histopathologic findings, a total of 31 children (0.49%) were diagnosed with NET of the appendix and included in the further analysis. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence and treatment outcome of pediatric patients diagnosed with NET of the appendix. Secondary outcomes included the patients' demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and the histopathologic characteristics of tumor species. The overall incidence of NETs of the appendix was stable over the study years, with minor fluctuations. The median age of patients was 14 (interquartile range-IQR: 12, 16) years, with a female predominance (64.5%). The majority of patients (96.8%) presented with acute abdominal pain and underwent appendectomy because acute appendicitis was suspected. Acute appendicitis was confirmed by histopathology in 18 (58%) cases. NETs of the appendix were not detected preoperatively in any of the patients. Among patients with confirmed acute appendicitis, most (n = 14; 77.8%) were found to have non-perforated acute appendicitis. In most children, the tumor was located at the tip of the appendix (n = 18; 58.1%), and the majority of tumors had a diameter of less than 1 cm (n = 21, 67.7%). The mitotic count (n = 25, 80.6%) and Ki-67 proliferation index (n = 23, 74.2%) were low in most patients, so most tumors were classified as NET G1 (n = 25, 80.6%), while NET G2 and NET G3 were found in four (12.9%) and two (6.5%) patients, respectively. All children were treated with appendectomy only. The median follow-up time was 54 (IQR: 24, 95) months. The incidence of appendiceal NET among pediatric patients is very low. NET occurs most frequently in adolescents, with a female predominance. Most tumors are less than 1 cm in diameter, located at the tip, and associated with non-perforated appendicitis. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice, and major surgery was not necessary in our cohort.

Predictors of in-hospital appendiceal perforation in patients with non- perforated acute appendicitis with appendicolithiasis at presentation

IntroductionAppendicolithiasis is a risk factor for perforated acute appendicitis. There is limited inpatient data on predictors of progression in appendicolithiasis-associated non-perforated acute appendicitis.MethodsWe identified adults presenting with appendicolithiasis-associated non-perforated acute appendicitis (on computed tomography) who underwent appendectomy. Logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of in-hospital perforation (on histopathology).Results296 patients with appendicolithiasis-associated non-perforated acute appendicitis were identified; 48 (16.2%) had perforation on histopathology. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 39 (14.9) years. The mean (SD) length of stay (LOS) was 1.5 (1.8) days. LOS was significantly longer with perforated (mean [SD]: 3.0 [3.1] days) vs. non-perforated (mean [SD]: 1.2 [1.2] days) appendicitis (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, in-hospital perforation was associated with age > 65 years (OR 5.4, 95% CI: 1.4- 22.2; p = 0.015), BMI > 30 kg/m2 (OR 3.5, 95% CI: 1.3–8.9; p = 0.011), hyponatremia (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3–9.8; p = 0.012). There was no significant association with age 25–65 years, gender, race, steroids, time-to- surgery, neutrophil percentage, or leukocyte count.ConclusionGeriatric age, obesity, and hyponatremia are associated with progression to perforation in appendicolithiasis-associated non-perforated acute appendicitis.

Efficacy and Safety of Three Doses of Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole as Prophylactic Uses during Acute Non-Perforated Appendicitis Surgical Operation: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: This study compared the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics with seven days of conventional antibiotics. Objective: This present study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of three doses of prophylaxis with ceftriaxone and metronidazole. Methodology: This parallel arm, randomized control trial was conducted among fifty patients, consisting of 25 cases and 25 controls, with acute appendicitis admitted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Popular Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, and Ad-din Barrister Rafique Ul-Haq Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of November 2021 to April 2022. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of three doses of combined prophylactic antibiotics, ceftriaxone and metronidazole, in acute non-perforated appendicitis cases. The patients in the control group were treated with seven days of conventional antibiotic therapy to compare the efficacy with three doses of prophylactic antibiotics. Results: Among 9 wound infections (15%), 4 patients were in the control group (36.5%), and 5 (40.5%) were in the case group in the study group with combined surgical prophylaxis of ceftriaxone and metronidazole (P=0.001). One patient develops both a wound infection and an intra-abdominal abscess. The study also found that amount to patient (3.3%) with intra-abdominal abscess formation 01 (50%) in control group and 01(50.0%) in combined prophylaxis group (ceftriaxone and metronidazole) (P&gt;0.3). Conclusion: In conclusion no significant difference could be found between the patients who received combined three doses of ceftriaxone and metronidazole and the control groups with regard to age, sex, distribution of symptoms before admission, preoperative temperature, duration of surgery, hospital stay, and concomitant diseases both overall and within each of the three groups of appendiceal examination. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2023;10(1):11-15

Study of outcomes of perforated appendicitis in adults: a prospective cohort study.

The aim was to study the intraoperative features and postoperative outcomes of appendicular perforation in adults. First, to study the incidence, clinical presentation, and complications of perforated appendicitis in a tertiary care hospital. Second, to study morbidity and mortality in an operated case of perforated appendicitis. This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in a government setup from August 2017 to July 2019. Data were collected from patients (N=126) who had an intraoperative finding of perforated appendicitis. The inclusion criteria are as follows: patients over the age of 12 with a perforated appendix, as well as any patients with intraoperative findings like perforated appendicitis, gangrenous perforated appendicitis, or a disintegrated appendix. The exclusion criteria are as follows: all patients with appendicitis below 12 years of age with perforated appendicitis; all patients with appendicitis with intraoperative findings of acute nonperforated appendicitis; and all patients with intraoperative findings of an appendicular lump or mass. Perforation was found in 13.8% of the cases of acute appendicitis in this study. With a mean age of 32.5 years, the most common age of presentation in perforated appendicitis was 21-30 years. The most prevalent presenting symptom in all patients (100%) was abdominal pain, followed by vomiting (64.3%) and fever (38.9%). Patients with perforated appendicitis had a 72.2% complication rate. Peritoneal pollution of more than 150ml was linked to a 100% increase in morbidity and mortality (54.5%). The mean duration of the hospital stay in patients with a perforated appendix was 7.28±5 days. Surgical site infection (42%) was the most common early complication, followed by wound dehiscence (16.6%), intestinal obstruction (1.6%), and faecal fistula (1.6%). The most common late complications were intestinal obstruction (2.4%), intra-abdominal abscess (1.6%), and incisional hernia (1.6%). The mortality rate in patients with perforated appendicitis was 4.8%. To conclude, prehospital delay was an important factor contributing to appendicular perforation and leading to adverse outcomes. A higher rate of morbidity and prolonged duration of hospital stay were seen in patients with delayed presentation, with features of generalised peritonitis and perforation of the base of the appendix. Delayed presentations in as elderly population with underlying co-morbid conditions associated with severe peritoneal contamination were associated with higher mortality (26%) in perforated appendicitis. Conventional surgery and open procedures remain the preferred approach in a government setup like ours where laparoscopy may not be available during odd hours. Since this study was done over a short duration, certain long-term outcomes could not be assessed. Hence, there is still a need for further studies.

Satisfaction With Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Nonperforated Appendicitis

IntroductionSame-day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic appendectomy for acute nonperforated appendicitis is safe, without an increased rate of postoperative complications, emergency department visits, or readmissions. We aimed to evaluate caregiver satisfaction with this protocol. MethodsPatients discharged on the day of laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated acute appendicitis were identified between January 2022 and August 2022. Surveys to evaluate satisfaction with the protocol were distributed to the caregivers via email or text message 96 h after discharge. Telephone surveys were conducted if there were no responses to the initial online survey. The surveys assessed comfort with SDD, postoperative pain control adequacy, postoperative provider contact, and overall satisfaction. The protocol focused on avoidance of narcotics in the postoperative period and immediate return to a regular diet. ResultsA total of 255 cases of nonperforated acute appendicitis underwent SDD. The survey response rate was 50.6% (n = 129). Most respondents were Caucasian (69.0%, n = 89) and male (51.9%, n = 67) with a median age of 12.0 y (IQR 8.9,14.7). The median postoperative length of hospital stay was 3.8 h (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2,4.8). The overall satisfaction rate was 91.5%, with 118 caregivers feeling satisfied with SDD. Most caregivers felt comfortable with the SDD protocol (89.9%, n = 116), with 22.5% (n = 29) calling a medical provider postoperatively. Approximately nine out of 10 caregivers reported that pain was adequately controlled (91.5%, n = 118). In contrast, those that were dissatisfied reported issues with pain control and anxiety with SDD after a surgical procedure. ConclusionsCaregiver satisfaction and comfort with same-day discharge following laparoscopic appendectomy is high with appropriate anticipatory guidance and preoperative education.

Prediction of Perforated and Nonperforated Acute Appendicitis Using Machine Learning-Based Explainable Artificial Intelligence

The primary aim of this study was to create a machine learning (ML) model that can predict perforated and nonperforated acute appendicitis (AAp) with high accuracy and to demonstrate the clinical interpretability of the model with explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). A total of 1797 patients who underwent appendectomy with a preliminary diagnosis of AAp between May 2009 and March 2022 were included in the study. Considering the histopathological examination, the patients were divided into two groups as AAp (n = 1465) and non-AAp (NA; n = 332); the non-AAp group is also referred to as negative appendectomy. Subsequently, patients confirmed to have AAp were divided into two subgroups: nonperforated (n = 1161) and perforated AAp (n = 304). The missing values in the data set were assigned using the Random Forest method. The Boruta variable selection method was used to identify the most important variables associated with AAp and perforated AAp. The class imbalance problem in the data set was resolved by the SMOTE method. The CatBoost model was used to classify AAp and non-AAp patients and perforated and nonperforated AAp patients. The performance of the model in the holdout test set was evaluated with accuracy, F1- score, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). The SHAP method, which is one of the XAI methods, was used to interpret the model results. The CatBoost model could distinguish AAp patients from non-AAp individuals with an accuracy of 88.2% (85.6-90.8%), while distinguishing perforated AAp patients from nonperforated AAp individuals with an accuracy of 92% (89.6-94.5%). According to the results of the SHAP method applied to the CatBoost model, it was observed that high total bilirubin, WBC, Netrophil, WLR, NLR, CRP, and WNR values, and low PNR, PDW, and MCV values increased the prediction of AAp biochemically. On the other hand, high CRP, Age, Total Bilirubin, PLT, RDW, WBC, MCV, WLR, NLR, and Neutrophil values, and low Lymphocyte, PDW, MPV, and PNR values were observed to increase the prediction of perforated AAp. For the first time in the literature, a new approach combining ML and XAI methods was tried to predict AAp and perforated AAp, and both clinical conditions were predicted with high accuracy. This new approach proved successful in showing how well which demographic and biochemical parameters could explain the current clinical situation in predicting AAp and perforated AAp.

Comparative Role of Different Antibiotics for Non‐Perforated Acute Appendicitis a Meta-Base Histopathological Study

Background: The preferred method of treating appendicitis for more than a century has been appendectomy. Recent trials have challenged this theory. In patients with non-perforated appendicitis, this study evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of antibiotic treatment against appendectomy. Aims and objectives: Surgery vs. non-operative antibiotic treatment for acute non-perforated appendicitis. Study design: A meta-base histopathological study. Methodology: By using inclusion and exclusion criteria, all matched patients were chosen for the study and divided into two groups, group A and group B, using the closed envelop technique. All patients received an injection of injectable ceftriaxone 1 g and metronidazole 500 mg as part of an antibiotic prophylaxis regimen prior to surgery, while group A, patients received a single dosage of the same medications. Intravenous and oral antibiotic regimens, a second- or third-generation cephalosporin or ceftriaxone plus metronidazole injectable. The statistical software for the social science system (SPSS) version 17.0 was used for the statistical analysis. A (p≤0.05) value was used to denote a significant difference for all statistical tests. Antibiotics: Intravenous and oral antibiotic regimens (i) A second- or third-generation cephalosporin, or ceftriaxone plus metronidazole injectable (ii) single-agent regimens of amoxicillin-clavulanate. (iii) Fluoroquinolone or an advanced generation cephalosporin plus metronidazole, and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Practical Implications: In patients with non-perforated appendicitis, this study evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of antibiotic treatment against appendicectomy. In patients with clinically uncomplicated appendicitis, the decision between medicinal and surgical care is value and preference-dependent, indicating the need for a shift in practice towards collaborative decision-making. Results: Seroma was present in (12±0.01) of patients in group A and (20±0.02) of patients in group B; the (p≤0.05) value is very higher than Group-A, which is statistically insignificant. That implies that post-operative antibiotic medication does not lessen seroma development. In table-2 intra-abdominal abscess formation levels in group-A and Group- B were (7.2±0.02, 15±0.02) which indicated that antibacterial postoperative therapy was not effective as pre past- operative. That implies that antibacterial postoperative therapy does not lessen local site edema. People in both groups (16.2±0.01, 19±0.02) experienced pus discharge from the stitch line, and the p value is uncertain. Fever was seen in (6.5±0.01) of patients in group A and (10.2±0.02) of patients in group B; their p values were (P≤0.01 and P≤0.02) occasionally. Patients' length of hospital stays were shown that pre and post-surgery treatment was statistically significant than only post-surgery treatment. Conclusion: As a result, we can draw the conclusion from our study that, in cases of non-perforated appendicitis, carefully chosen and appropriately timed pre-operative antibiotics are sufficient in preventing Seroma formation, Intra-abdominal abscess formation, Local site edema, pus discharge from the stitch line, fever and stay in hospital. Post-operative antibiotics were not affect the rate of occurrence of the above mentioned variables. Keywords: Seroma formation, Intra-abdominal abscess formation, Local site edema, Pus discharge from the stitch line, Antibiotics. Appendicitis.

C-reactive protein/albumin ratio greater than 7.1 is a good candidate to be used as an inflammation biomarker to predict perforation in appendicitis.

We aimed at identifying novel biomarkers to predict perforation in patients with acute appendicitis. Medical records of patients who underwent appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were reviewed. Complete blood count and biochemistry panel results of these patients were analyzed. This study included 58 patients, 42 (72.4%) male and 16 (27.6%) female. The mean age of the patients was 33.8±14.1 years (range: 18-75). 49 (84.5%) patients had non-perforated acute appendicitis. Perforated acute appendicitis was observed in 9 (15.5%) patients. Patients with perforated appendicitis had higher appendiceal diameter, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, CRP/albumin and monocyte/lymphocyte (M/L) compared to patients with non-perforated appendicitis. Moreover, patients with perforated appendicitis had lower lymphocyte count than those with no perforation. Sensitivity rates of appendiceal diameter, CRP level, CRP/Albumin and M/L for perforated appendicitis were similar (89%). However, the most specific biomarker for perforation was CRP/albumin (87.8%), followed by CRP (85.7%), M/L (63.3%) and appendiceal diameter (57.1%). Patients with CRP/albumin>7.1, CRP>32.7 mg/L, M/L>0.44 and appendiceal diameter>9.8 mm were most likely to have appendiceal perforation. We suggest that CRP/albumin, CRP, M/L, appendiceal diameter and lymphocyte count can be used to predict perforation in patients with acute appendicitis. However, the most specific inflammation biomarker indicating perforated acute appendicitis is CRP/Albumin>7.1.

Sodium Levels as a Predicting Factor for the Occurrence of Perforated Appendicitis in Children at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang

Background: Perforation of the appendix can lead to life-threatening complications. Early identification of a perforation before surgery has important clinical implications. Hyponatremia was previously proposed as a marker to differentiate between perforated and non-perforated acute appendicitis. This study aims to determine the role of sodium levels as a predictive factor in the incidence of perforated appendicitis in children at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang.&#x0D; Methods: This research is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. The research took place from March to May 2022 at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang. Samples were taken by consecutive sampling with criteria aged 0-18 years and diagnosed with acute appendicitis at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang.&#x0D; Results: A total of 112 samples with most of the patients (52.7%) aged 6-11 years and found a greater proportion of men (57.1%). Most of the patients underwent laparotomy procedures (57.2%). Hyponatremia was found in 58% of patients. Perforation occurred in most (59.8%) patients. SPSS results showed a significant difference between the incidence of hyponatremia in perforated and non-perforated appendicitis with a p-value &lt;0.001.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between sodium levels and the incidence of perforation, where the lower the sodium level, the higher the incidence of perforation.

Case series: Treatment outcome of late presentation of acute appendicitis.

Introduction and importanceLate presentation of Acute Appendicitis (AA) is associated with a high risk of perforation-related complications and morbidity. Even though AA is a well-known disease, late presented AA is not uncommon. This study aims to report the treatment outcome of several cases of late presented AA, treated at a government public hospital at Mojokerto, a small town in East Java, Indonesia, where no previous report were known.Case presentationEleven patients experienced surgical removal of the appendix during one year period (January 2021 until December 2021). Those patients are treated by one surgeon at Dr. Wahidin Sudiro Husodo Kota Mojokerto Hospital. Furthermore, they were divided into 3 groups, (A: presented within 2 days after onset of abdominal pain; B: presented within 2–5 days after onset of abdominal pain; C: presented more than 5 days after onset of abdominal pain). The morbidities for all patients were studied, which they all followed up until the surgery wound healed completely.Clinical discussionThe perforation of the appendix occurred in 7 patients consisting of 2 in Group A, 2 in Group B, and 3 in Group C. Furthermore, the two patients who experienced extension of surgical resection were all from Group C and this group has 10.67 days of highest Length of Stay (LOS). The two patients with perforated AA, 1 from group A and 1 from group C, developed surgical site infection. The main reason for the late presentation of AA was non-operative treatment due to equivocal clinical findings.ConclusionThe late presentation of AA causes perforation-associated morbidities, including a possible extension of surgical resection, long hospitalization period, and surgical site infection. Some late presented AA does not develop into perforation since perforated and non-perforated AA may represents two different entities.

The role of immature granulocyte in the early prediction of acute perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in children.

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common reason for pediatric abdominal surgery in the world. Despite ad-vances in science and technology, diagnosing AA is still difficult today, and complications are common as a result. The early prediction of complicated appendicitis is of great importance for the surgical planning, further treatments, and predicting the course of disease. The immature granulocyte (IG) is a new and more effective marker in predicting the severity of inflammation than traditional markers. Our aim is to determine the effectiveness of IG% in the diagnosis and severity of AA. Eighty-eight patients diagnosed with AA and a control group of fifty-eight healthy children were included in this prospec-tive study. Patients with pathologically confirmed AA were divided into two subgroups: acute simple appendicitis (ASA) and acute perforated appendicitis (APA). The demographic characteristics, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), IG%, and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) anal-ysis was used to compare the diagnostic accuracies and predictive performances. Patients with AA had higher IG%, WBC count, NLR, and MPV value than control group (p=0.28, p=0.22, p<0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Only IG% showed statistically significant difference from other inflammatory markers evaluated in ASA and APA patients (p<0.001). ROC analysis showed that IG% is a good predictor for the presence of APA at an optimal cut-off for IG being 0.2% (sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 85.2%, area under the ROC curve 0.83). In the present study, we demonstrated that AA patients with higher IG levels might be more likely to develop perforation. The IG values combined with a physical examination, imaging studies, and other laboratory tests may help clinicians to identify high-risk AA patients in the pediatric emergency department.

Appendiceal Intraluminal Gas: A CT Marker for Gangrenous Appendicitis.

Introduction This manuscript aims to investigate the amount of intraluminal gas in acute, nonperforated appendicitis identified on computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing gangrenous appendicitis. Methods This is a retrospective observational, case-control study with consecutive data collected at a tertiary institution over a two-year period, of patients with CT-diagnosed acute appendicitis who subsequently went on for surgery within 48 hours. Patients who were less than 16 years old, who had an interval between CT and surgery of more than 48 hours, or with CT evidence of appendiceal perforation were excluded. Images were independently assessed by 3 radiologists for intraluminal gas, and the results were then correlated with reference standards obtained from surgical and histopathology reports for the diagnosis of nongangrenous versus gangrenous appendicitis. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of CT intraluminal gas in gangrenous appendicitis were calculated. Results Our study identified 93 patients with nonperforated acute appendicitis who underwent surgery within the stated timeframe. Intraluminal gas in the appendix was identified in 26 patients (28%), of which 54% had macroscopic and/or microscopic evidence of gangrenous appendicitis. This is in contrast to the subgroup of patients who did not have intraluminal gas (72%), of which only 33% had gangrenous appendicitis. The specificity of intraluminal gas for gangrenous appendicitis is 79%, with a negative predictive value of 86% and likelihood ratio of 1.85. Conclusion In cases of established acute appendicitis, the presence of intraluminal gas is a moderately specific sign for gangrenous complication. This is worth reporting as it can help prognosticate and triage patients accordingly, for a timelier surgical management and a better outcome.

THE INCIDENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN ACUTE NON PERFORATED APPENDICITIS

Background: Appendectomy is the most commonly performed emergency surgical procedure and has significant morbidity of surgical site infection (SSIs). Regarding this, there are conflicting reports and dilemma on use of optimal duration of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of SSIs after three doses of perioperative prophylactic antibiot­ics (single dose before surgery and two doses postoperatively) after ap­pendectomy in acute non- perforated appendicitis (NPA).&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of General surgery, Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, from May 2018 to April 2019. All the cases received single dose of antibiotics (cef­triaxone and metronidazole) during the induction of anesthesia and two doses of the same antibiotics postoperatively within 24 hours. SSIs was assessed on 2nd and followed up till 7th postoperative day. The data col­lected was analyzed using SPSS version 16.&#x0D; Results: In the study of 100 patients, who received perioperative three doses of antibiotics, the overall frequency of SSIs on 2nd and 3rd post-operative day were 2% (p=.840) and 6% (p=.539) respectively, which was statistically not significant. In follow up after 3rd postoperative day, there was no evidence of SSIs. Statistically there was no significant difference in the incidence and grade of SSIs between age group, sex and duration of operation.&#x0D; Conclusions: A combined three doses of perioperative antibiotics was ad­equate for SSIs prevention in patients of any age group and sex with acute NPA after appendectomy in usual operative time.

Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width as Diagnosis Markers of Acute Perforated Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients

Abstract: Symptoms and findings in acute perforated appendicitis (APA) may not always typical in children, becomes difficult to establish the diagnosis preoperatively. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is important to reduce the risk of sepsis and even death. Another biomarkers for diagnosis are needed. This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of indicators of platelet activation, namely mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width, in children with non perforated acute appendicitis (NPAA) and APA. This retrospective study compared 15 patients with APA (Group I), 15 patients with NPAA (Group II) between January 2016 to December 2018. Patient white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, MPV, PDW, and hematocrit (HCT) were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these indices in AP. Positive correlation was found between MPV and the degree of AP; as well as negative correlation between PDW and degree of AP. This is the first study to assess the MPV and PDW in pediatric patients with AP. This study showed the MPV is reduced and the PDW is normal in patients with AP. A decreased MPV value could serve as a marker to diagnose AP preoperatively. More studies are needed to establish relationship between PDW and MPV with AP. Keywords: Appendicitis perforations; Mean Platelet Volume; Platelet distribution width

A comparative study to determine the role of pre and post-operative antibiotic therapy versus only pre-operative antibiotic therapy in patients of non-perforated acute appendicitis

Background: If properly used in appendicitis, antibiotics can reduce the rate of infection by 50%. The use of post-operative antibiotics for preventing infective complications in non-perforated cases is still controversial.Methods: A randomised prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi with patients who presented acute appendicitis. A minimum number of 30 patients each in group A (pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics) and group B (only pre-operative antibiotics) were evaluated for 18 months, from January 2018 to June 2019.Results: The mean age of group A is 29.9±15.16 years and in group B is 25.97±9.470 years (p value=0.122, insignificant). There was male preponderance. The seroma formation in both the groups was 10.00% and no patients developed intra-abdominal abscess. The incidence of local site oedema was 10% in both the groups A and B and their p value is insignificant. In both the groups A and B, 10% of the people developed pus discharge from the stitch line and the p value is insignificant. In group A, 6.67% of the patients and in group B 10.00% of the patients developed stitch line inflammatory changes and the p value insignificant. In group A, 13.3% and in group B, 10.00% of the patients developed fever and their p value is 1. The mean length of hospital in case 1.23±0.5 days (group A) and is 1.17±0.45 days (group B) (p value=0.508).Conclusions: Hence we can conclude that a well-chosen and adequately-timed pre-operative antibiotics are adequate in preventing post-operative complications and post-operative antibiotics do not affect the same.

The Use of Abdominal Computed Tomography Imaging Technology in the Treatment of Surgical Acute Abdominal Perforation

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the imaging features of abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) in patients with surgical acute abdominal perforation and to improve the diagnostic ability of perforated acute appendicitis (PAA). Method: Patients with suspected acute appendicitis and abdominal pain are selected as the study objects. According to the surgical records and pathological results, the patients are divided into PAA group and nonperforated acute appendicitis (NPAA) group. All patients are examined by abdominal CT. Postprocessing reconstruction technology such as multiple planar reconstruction (MPR) algorithm and curved planar reformat (CPR) algorithm are used as assistance to display the appendix, analyze and compare the images, observe the image performance of abdominal CT, and measure the diameter of the appendix. Results: The incidence of PAA specific signs (i.e. cellulitis around the appendix, abscess around the appendix, enhancement defect of the appendix wall, air accumulation outside the appendix cavity, fecal stone outside the appendix cavity) in PAA group is significantly higher than that in NPAA group (P &lt; 0.05). Appearance of at least one specific sign for the diagnosis of PAA is 95.65%, the specificity is 92.59%, and the accuracy is 94.00%. The diameter of appendix in PAA group is significantly larger than that in NPAA group (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the diagnosis of simple specific signs, the specificity and accuracy of the combination of appendiceal diameter and specific signs in the diagnosis of PAA have been improved. Conclusion: With the help of MPR algorithm and CPR algorithm, abdominal CT imaging technology can accurately identify PAA and NPAA, which has important diagnostic value.

Acute appendicitis is associated with appendiceal microbiome changes including elevated Campylobacter jejuni levels

ObjectivesTo compare the appendiceal microbiomes and examine the prevalence of Campylobacter species in the appendices of adult subjects with confirmed acute non-perforated appendicitis and controls with healthy appendices.DesignArchived samples of...

Immediate effects of urgent reorganisation of emergency department-based treatment pathway in nonperforated appendicitis: a retrospective study

BackgroundAcute appendicitis is a global disease and a very common indication for emergency surgery worldwide. The need for hospital resources is therefore constantly high. The administration in Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Southern Finland, called for an urgent reorganisation due to shortage of hospital beds at the department of general surgery. Postoperative treatment pathway of patients with nonperforated acute appendicitis was ordered to take place in the Emergency Department (ED). The aim of this study was to assess, whether this reorganisation was feasible and safe, i.e. did it affect the length of in-hospital stay (LOS) and the 30-day complication rate.MethodsThis is a retrospective pre- and post-intervention analysis. After the reorganisation, most patients with nonperforated appendicitis were followed postoperatively at the 24-h observation unit of the ED instead of surgical ward. Patients operated during the first 3 months after the reorganisation were compared to those operated during the 3 months before it. A case met inclusion criteria if there were no signs of appendiceal perforation during surgery. Exclusion criteria comprised age < 18 years and perforated disease.ResultsAppendicectomy was performed on 112 patients, of whom 62 were adults with nonperforated appendicitis. Twenty-seven of the included patients were treated before the reorganisation, and 35 after it. Twenty of the latter were followed only at the ED. Postoperative LOS decreased significantly after the reorganisation. Median postoperative time till discharge was 15.7 h for all patients after the reorganisation compared to 24.4 h before the reorganisation (standard error 6.2 h, 95% confidence interval 2.3–15.2 h, p < 0.01). There were no more complications in the group treated postoperatively in the ED.ConclusionsEarly discharge of patients with nonperforated appendicitis after enforced urgent reorganisation of the treatment pathway in the ED observation unit is safe and feasible. Shifting the postoperative monitoring and the discharge policy of such patients to the ED – instead of the surgical ward – occurred in the majority of the cases after the reorganisation. This change may spare resources as in our series it resulted in a significantly shorter LOS without any increase in the 30-day complication rate.

Is the platelet to lymphocyte ratio a promising biomarker to distinguish acute appendicitis? Evidence from a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BackgroundAlthough several previous studies have examined the association between the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and acute appendicitis (AA), findings have been controversial. We aimed to systematically assess the available evidence to elucidate the overall relationship between the PLR and AA.MethodsPubmed and Embase databases were searched for all available published literature before August, 2019 by two independent investigators for observational studies reporting the association between the PLR and AA. Random effects models were applied for all meta-analyses. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated as effect estimates.ResultsEleven articles met the inclusion criteria and included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the level of PLR in the AA group was significantly higher than that in the control group (SMD: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.62, P<0.001). A series of subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the heterogeneity, showing a significant increase in PLV levels in adults with age ≥30 years (SMD: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.89 to 2.02),compared to those in adult <30 years(SMD: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.04) or in children (SMD: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.56). Compared to non-AA controls, a significant increased PLR level was also observed in non-perforated AA (SMD: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.59) and in AA patients during pregnancy (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.04), while not in perforated AA (SMD: 2.28, 95% CI: -1.72 to 6.28).ConclusionsA significant increase in PLR level is found in patients with AA, indicating that PLR is a promising biomarker for AA. PLR provides a convenient option for emergency department to quickly screen for clinically or radiologically confirmed AA awaiting appendectomy, especially for pregnant women suspected of having AA. More high-quality evidence is needed to further confirm the diagnostic accuracy of PLR for AA.