Perforated Appendicitis Research Articles

Risk Factors for Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Abscess in Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis Following Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Multicenter Analysis

Background: Perforated appendicitis in children is a frequently encountered and significant surgical condition. The treatment of choice is laparoscopic appendectomy, but this carries a risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (IAA). The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors linked to the occurrence of IAA following laparoscopic surgery in pediatric perforated appendicitis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 137 children with perforated appendicitis who received laparoscopic appendectomy at four tertiary hospitals between March 2018 and December 2022. Data on patient demographics, preoperative clinical characteristics, and surgical details were collected. Independent risk factors for IAA formation were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative IAA was 10.9%. Prolonged symptom duration and elevated CRP levels were associated with higher IAA rates. Patients who developed IAAs experienced prolonged postoperative fevers and longer hospital stays. Significant risk factors for IAA identified through multivariable analysis included a higher severity grade of appendicitis (≥Grade IV, OR 5.9, p = 0.034) and the presence of a free appendicolith during surgery (OR 5.549, p = 0.01). Of the patients who developed IAAs, nine (60%) improved with conservative treatment, while six (40%) required invasive procedures. Conclusions: A higher severity grade of appendicitis (≥Grade IV) and the presence of a free appendicolith are significant predictors of postoperative IAAs in pediatric perforated appendicitis. Recognizing these factors can help guide clinical management and postoperative care, potentially reducing the incidence of this complication.

Using shock index, pediatric age adjusted (SIPA) to predict prolonged length of stay in perforated appendicitis: a retrospective review.

Hospital length of stay (LOS) following admission for appendicitis is difficult to predict. Shock index, pediatric age adjusted (SIPA) accurately identifies severely injured trauma patients and predicts mortality among children admitted to the ICU. Our aim was to determine if elevated SIPA at presentation, and time to normalization of SIPA, can identify children with perforated appendicitis and predict hospital LOS. This was a retrospective cohort study of children 1-17years admitted to a quaternary care referral center with appendicitis after appendectomy in 2021. The primary outcomes were presence of perforated appendicitis and hospital LOS. Generalized linear regressions were performed. Covariates included in all models were age, sex, fecalith, initial temperature, and time from diagnosis to OR. We included 169 patients; 53 (31.4%) had perforated appendicitis. After adjustment, elevated SIPA was associated with presence of perforated appendicitis (p = 0.0002) and longer LOS (p < 0.0001). A patient presenting with appendicitis and elevated SIPA had 5.447 times higher odds of having perforated appendicitis (95% CI: 2.262, 13.826), a mean hospital LOS 2.047 times longer (95% CI: 1.564, 2.683), a mean time to toleration of regular diet 4.995 times longer (95% CI: 2.914, 8.918), and a mean duration of antibiotics that is 1.761 times longer (95% CI: 1.383, 2.243) than a patient with normal SIPA. In children with appendicitis, elevated SIPA at presentation is associated with higher risk of perforation. These findings support the incorporation of SIPA during triage of patients with appendicitis and counseling families after surgery. Level 3.

Reduction in perforated appendicitis incidence between rural and urban populations after introducing social health insurance in Vietnam: A population-based study.

Over the years, Vietnam has expanded its social health insurance (SHI) coverage to reduce health disparities. In this population-based study, we examined the differences in incidences of perforated appendix between rural and urban populations in Vietnam since the expansion of SHI coverage in 2015. We also identified risk factors for perforated appendix in these populations. The 2015-2019 SHI inpatient claims data from the Social Security Agency of Dong Thap Province were used to elaborate the final sample of 6863 patients aged 18years or above who underwent an appendectomy. Multivariable probit and logistic regression model were employed to obtain adjusted estimates. An overall rate of 22.9% for perforated appendix among adults in Dong Thap was revealed. After the expansion of SHI, rural residents consistently had lower rates of perforated appendix than urban residents, but the differences between rural and urban residents were small and decreased over time, that is from 4.4% in 2015 to 3.4% in 2019. Older, male, and poor residents were at a higher risk of perforated appendix in both urban and rural areas. In rural areas, patients with comorbidities, patients who resided in remote communes bordering Cambodia, and patients who had district hospitals or commune facilities as their primary assigned providers were significantly more likely to develop perforated appendix. Under the SHI in Vietnam, no significant difference was observed in perforated appendicitis incidence between urban and rural residents. Additional efforts are required to reduce poorer outcomes among other high-risk residents.

Diagnostic value of biochemical markers in prediction of perforation in acute appendicitis: a cross-sectional study.

Acute appendicitis, despite being the most common surgery, can result in increased morbidity and mortality in the case of perforated appendicitis. Identifying a perforation early can reduce the impact on the patient. Bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count have been shown to indicate perforation in appendicitis. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to observe the association between preoperative bilirubin, CRP, and white cell count with the histological findings of either the presence or absence of perforation of the appendix. The eligibility criteria included all patients above 18 years with appendicitis who were managed surgically in the study hospital, Shree Birendra Hosptial, between 1 December 2021 to 30 May 2022. The study was conducted after the approval from the ethics committee. Out of 150 patients, 112 had open surgery and 38 underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. One hundred thirty-four had non-perforated appendix and 16 cases had perforated appendix. The older age group was associated with appendiceal perforation more than the younger age group. Patients with a duration of symptoms less than 24 h and more than 72 h developed perforated appendicitis less frequently. The odds of encountering perforated appendicitis increased by 2.644 times per 0.972 rise in total bilirubin (P= 0.004) and the odds of encountering perforated appendicitis increased by 6.474 times per 1.868 rise in conjugated bilirubin (P= 0.003). There was no significant difference in total leucocyte count and neutrophil percentage among perforated and non-perforated groups. The diagnostic value of the CRP, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin levels was strong and significant when used in combination rather than their individual performance in the diagnosis of perforated acute appendicitis.

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid as a biomarker for revealing perforation in acute appendicitis

BackgroundThe present study investigated the level of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in perforated and nonperforated appendicitis patients. This issue is important for timely diagnosis of acute appendicitis complications and making decision about the surgical plan and type of incision.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on patients with acute appendicitis. 5-HIAA levels were measured in urine spot sample of every patient before the surgery. The patients were finally included based on result of pathology for presence of appendicitis or not and sorted by direct surgical detection for exist of perforation or not. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 5-HIAA were investigated. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS v.27.ResultsA total of 150 patients were included in two groups as 40 patients in the perforated appendicitis group and 110 patients in the noncomplicated acute appendicitis group. The average age of patients in the perforated appendicitis group was 28.8 ± 6.07 years, and that of patients in the acute appendicitis group was 29.6 ± 6.96 years. 94 patients (63%) were male, and 56 (37%) were female. No significant difference was observed in terms of age or sex between the two groups. The difference in the 5-HIAA concentration between the acute appendicitis group (0.3 ± 0.04 mg/dl) and the perforated appendicitis group (0.5 ± 0.03 mg/dl) was significant (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy were 82%, 62%, 75%, 77%, and 88% respectively.ConclusionThis study shows that the 5-HIAA concentration in patients with perforated appendicitis can potentially increased significantly more than that in patients in the early stages of acute appendicitis. further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to prove the present results.

Predictive model for identification of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis in adults: a multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundGangrene and perforation are severe complications of acute appendicitis, associated with a higher mortality rate compared to uncomplicated appendicitis. Accurate preoperative identification of Gangrenous or perforated appendicitis (GPA) is crucial for timely surgical intervention.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study includes 796 patients who underwent appendectomy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses are used to develop a nomogram model for predicting GPA based on laboratory tests and computed tomography (CT) findings. The model is validated using an external dataset.ResultsSeven independent predictors were included in the nomogram: white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, D-dimer, serum glucose, albumin, maximum outer diameter of the appendix, and presence of appendiceal fecalith. The nomogram achieved good discrimination and calibration in both the training and testing sets. In the training set, the AUC was 0.806 (95%CI: 0.763–0.849), and the sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 66.9%, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration (P = 0.7378). In the testing set, the AUC was 0.799 (95%CI: 0.741–0.856), and the sensitivity and specificity were 70.5% and 75.3%, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram.ConclusionThe laboratory test-CT nomogram model can effectively identify GPA patients, aiding in surgical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.

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.

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.

Duodenal Bezoar: A Rare Cause of Acute Pancreatitis

Gastrointestinal bezoars often occur as a complication of previous gastric surgery or in patients with altered gastrointestinal motility. Complications associated with gastrointestinal bezoars include perforation, peritonitis, protein-losing enteropathy, and acute appendicitis. Acute pancreatitis secondary to a duodenal bezoar is rare, and few studies have reported this complication. We report a case of acute pancreatitis and subsequent duodenal obstruction caused by a large duodenal phytobezoar.

Concurrent presentation of unrelated perforated appendicitis and high-grade small bowel obstruction: A case report

Small bowel obstruction and acute perforated appendicitis are common surgical problems independently. At times, acute appendicitis may present with small bowel obstruction due to the localized inflammatory process. This results in mechanical small bowel obstruction usually near the terminal ileum. However, it is extremely rare to have both abdominal processes occurring simultaneously, but not related to one another. In this study, we present a case of a healthy 62-year-old female patient who had concurrent high-grade small bowel obstruction due to a chronic adhesive band and perforated appendicitis, seemingly completely independent of each other.

Clinical characteristics of appendix orifice polyps and the effect endoscopic super minimally invasive treatment

To analyze the clinical characteristics of appendiceal orifice polyps and the effect of endoscopic super minimally invasive treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general situation (age and sex), the classification of appendiceal orifice polyps, the treatment method under endoscope, postoperative pathology and postoperative complications in patients who underwent resection of appendiceal orifice polyps at the Peking University First Hospital and the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. A total of 47 patients were included, consisting of 28 males and 19 females, with 35-86 (61±12) years. Appendiceal orifice polyps were classified into four types: type 0 (14 cases), type 1 (15 cases), type 2 (12 cases), and type 3 (6 cases). Among the endoscopic morphologies, 22 cases were granular laterally spreading tumors. Endoscopic mucosal dissection was performed in 37 cases. Postoperative appendiceal stent placement was performed in 1 case. The pathological types of polyps included adenoma in 15 cases, high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in 10 cases, intramucosal carcinoma in 4 cases, submucosal carcinoma in 5 cases, inflammatory polyps in 1 cases, and sessile serrated lesion in 12 cases. Curative resection was performed in 44 cases. There were no postoperative complications such as bleeding, perforation, or acute appendicitis. The pathology of appendiceal polyps is mostly precancerous lesions, and the treatment scheme of endoscopic super minimally invasive resection is both safe and effective.

FP7.3 - Acute Appendicitis and Lung Metastasis – A rare combination

Abstract Background Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. Although widespread metastasis is common, metastasis to the appendix is rare. Here we present a case of acute appendicitis secondary to lung metastasis. Case Presentation An 84-year-old man was admitted with a two-day history of right iliac fossa and suprapubic pain. He was known to have previous lung cancer treated with radical radiotherapy. Bloods on admission revealed elevated inflammatory markers with WCC 14.73 x 109/L and CRP 71.1mg/L. A Computed tomography was performed which showed acute appendicitis with perforation. An emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed which showed a mid-appendiceal perforation with a localized abscess cavity. His recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. Histological analysis revealed an adenocarcinoma in the appendicular lumen and within the muscle wall extending to the serosal surface. Immunochemistry profile was positive for CK, CK-19, TTF1 and Napsin A favoring a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma which was rationalized in the lung MDT. The patient remains under the respiratory physicians for close follow up. Discussion Lung metastasis to the appendix causing acute appendicitis is uncommon, with only twelve cases of appendiceal metastasis reported in the literature, ten of which presented with a perforated appendix. It may be considered as a differential for the cause of perforated acute appendicitis especially in patients with background of lung cancer.

Effect of peritoneal and wound lavage with super-oxidized solution on surgical-site infection after open appendicectomy in perforated appendicitis (PLaSSo): randomized clinical trial.

Surgical-site infection following open appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis increases length of hospital stay and treatment costs while compromising patients' quality of life. Data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of super-oxidized solution in perforated appendicitis are lacking. The study objective was to determine the effect of peritoneal and wound lavage with super-oxidized solution in reducing risk of surgical-site infection following open appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis. In this multicentre RCT conducted between September 2020 and March 2022, patients aged 13 years and older with perforated appendicitis undergoing open appendicectomy were randomly assigned to receive peritoneal and wound lavage with either super-oxidized solution or normal saline. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection within 30 days after surgery. Randomization was computer-generated, with allocation concealment by opaque, sequentially numbered, sealed envelope. The patients, surgeons, outcome assessors and statisticians performing the analysis were blinded to treatment assigned. A total of 102 consecutive patients (51 in the super-oxidized solution group and 51 in the normal saline group) were randomized and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The super-oxidized solution group showed a significant reduction in overall surgical-site infection (8 (15.6%) versus 19 (37.2%); relative risk (RR) 0.42; 95% c.i. 0.20 to 0.87; P = 0.014), and superficial surgical-site infection (5 (9.8%) versus 18 (35.3%); RR 0.28; 95% c.i. 0.11 to 0.69; P = 0.002), with a number-needed-to-treat of four patients. There were no adverse events in either group. Peritoneal and wound lavage with super-oxidized solution is superior to normal saline in preventing surgical-site infection after open appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04512196.

Is there a need for revised guidelines in the treatment of perforated appendicitis in children? A study of risk factors for prolonged hospital stay and postoperative complications

PurposeTo study the need for revised guidelines in the treatment of children with acute perforated appendicitis (APA) by describing the clinical course of children surgically treated for APA in one county in Sweden, with focus on length of hospital stay (LOS) and risk of postoperative complications. The study also aimed to identify variation in practice, comparing a university children's hospital (UCH) to county hospitals (CH). MethodsTwo thousand children, <16 years, who had surgery for acute appendicitis 2014-2018 in four public hospitals (1 UCH and 3 CH), were identified. Patients with perforation of the appendix, n=383(19%) were selected for study and retrospective assessment of patient records. Uni and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify risk factors for prolonged length of stay (PLOS) and complications. ResultsThe median LOS was 5.05 days (0.5-61.9), 6.79 (1.81-61.91) for the UCH (n=186) and 3.65 (0.54-35.65) for CH's (n=197)(p<0.0001). PLOS (=>5 days in hospital) was seen in 147 (79%) at UCH and 53(26.9%) at CH's(p<0.0001). Intra-abdominal abscess within 30 days was identified in 36 (9.4%) and surgical re-intervention was needed in 19 (5%) with no differences between hospitals. The need for readmission within 30 days was higher at CH n=22(11.4%) than at UCH n=4(2.2%), (p=0.0006). Multivariable analyses showed independent predictors of PLOS to be: male gender(OR 2.97 (1.68-5.23)), treatment at UCH(OR 10.24 (6.38-16.44)), CRP >135mg/l(OR per 50 units 1.42 (1.16-1.73)), prehospital delay>2.5 days(OR 1.22 (1.01-1.47)), delayed time to surgery(OR per 10 hours 1.74 (1.26-2.41)) extended surgery time(OR per 2 hours 4.59 (1.43-14.76)) and use of urinary catheter(OR 2.99 (1.42-6.29)). ConclusionGuidelines for treatment of childhood APA, focusing on minimizing antibiotics and facilitating early discharge, would optimize care of the patients but also the economical use of resources. Most children with APA have an uncomplicated course, but factors predicting PLOS have been identified. We found a pronounced variation in practice between the UCH and CH's, without increasing the risk of postoperative complications.

Pediatric appendicitis may be co-associated with meteorologic factors: A case-crossover study

BackgroundThe etiopathogenesis of appendicitis is still not fully understood. Few reports have researched the impact of weather as a cofactor for the development of appendicitis. MethodsTo investigate the potential association between the development of appendicitis and exposure to ambient meteorological conditions, a retrospective case-crossover study was conducted. Publicly available meteorologic data were matched with those from 1343 patients aged ≤19 years with histologically confirmed acute (AA; n = 996) or perforated appendicitis (PA; n = 347) treated at our pediatric surgical hospital between October 2001 and October 2018. ResultsA time-stratified conditional logistic regression analysis revealed increased odds ratios (ORs) for AA of 4–5% for each 1 hPa increase in vapor pressure during each 3–7 day cumulative moving averages (CMA) lag preceding appendectomy. This effect was stronger on stratification by age class >10 years (OR 1.05–1.08; 3–7-day CMA) and during spring (OR 1.08–1.09; 4–7-day CMA). Moreover, each 1% increase in relative humidity on the day of appendectomy was associated with a 2% decrease in the OR for PA, which was 4% during autumn under seasonal stratification. ConclusionThe role of meteorologic factors in the development of appendicitis remains largely unclear. In accordance with the literature, our results show that seasonal variations together with exposure to altered levels of humidity and vapor pressure may impact patients at different grades of appendiceal inflammation. Thus, transient fluctuations in meteorologic and seasonal variables may constitute cofactors that potentially influence the occurrence and course of pediatric appendicitis.

Can Ultrasound Spot the Culprit - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Ultrasonography in Precisely Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis in Children.

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children, often requiring imaging for confirmation due to diverse presentations. While computed tomography scan is favored in many centers for its sensitivity, it comes with radiation exposure and higher costs. Ultrasonography, being radiation-free and cost-effective, is gaining popularity, especially in pediatric cases. However, its reported accuracy varies in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in pediatric appendicitis cases and to determine its precision in distinguishing between simple and complicated cases of appendicitis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with suspected appendicitis who presented to the department of pediatric surgery. All patients underwent ultrasonography followed by appendicectomy based on considered clinical decision. Ultrasonography findings were compared with intraoperative observations categorized as uncomplicated or complicated appendicitis. Among 152 patients, ultrasonography accurately diagnosed appendicitis in 94.6% of cases, with 5.38% having nonvisualized appendices. In our group, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to detect appendicitis were 94.62% and 95.65%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the test is 95.63%. However, in our study, the sensitivity of the ultrasonography to correctly identify if it is a simple or complicated appendicitis was only 54.9% but had a specificity of 98.7%. Thus, ultrasonography showed a much lower sensitivity (54.9%) in distinguishing between simple and complicated appendicitis. Ultrasonography demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing pediatric appendicitis, making it a promising preoperative investigation. However, it may not accurately differentiate between simple and complicated cases. A comprehensive approach involving clinical and laboratory parameters alongside secondary imaging may be necessary for accurate diagnosis, especially in cases of perforated appendicitis.

Interobserver agreement of an ED PoCUS video training dataset of normal appendix and appendicitis in children

BackgroundEducational video datasets can be an effective method for training in emergency department (ED) point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS). A video dataset for normal appendix and appendicitis in children using ED PoCUS images was developed to assess interobserver agreement, as measured by Cohen’s Kappa on key sonographic findings.MethodsThree sets of 25 ED PoCUS videos were selected and curated from pediatric patients with normal appendix and acute appendicitis. Four participant ED sonologist-physicians were trained on the first set of 25 videos showing normal appendix or normal bowel in patients without appendicitis to note if normal appendix was seen in any part or in it’s entirety from tip-to-cecum. They were then tested on the second set of similar videos. A third set of 25 videos from patients who had appendicitis where participant sonologists were asked to note if appendicitis was present or absent, with and without appendicolith or perforation. Cohen’s Kappa was calculated in aggregate and stratified by experience vs. novice against a senior sonologist-physician aware of all patient outcomes for visualization of: 1. any part of normal appendix, 2. normal appendix visualized from tip to cecum 3. any part of appendicitis, 4. appendicolith, 5. appendiceal perforation.ResultsCohen’s Kappa for any part of normal appendix, 0.71, 95% CI (0.58–0.85); normal appendix tip-to-cecum, 0.43, 95% CI (0.19–0.67), appendicitis, 0.53, 95%CI (0.34–0.70), appendicolith, 0.63, 95%CI (0.43–0.84), perforated appendicitis, 0.46, 95%CI (0.22–0.70). Stratified by experienced vs. novice: any part of normal appendix, 0.75 vs. 0.68; normal appendix tip-to-cecum, 0.50 vs. 0.36; appendicitis, 0.78 vs. 0.31; appendicolith, 0.75 vs. 0.5; perforated appendicitis, 0.5 vs 0.42.ConclusionsThis educational video dataset may be used to train sonologist-physicians in ED PoCUS scanning for normal appendix and appendicitis in children. Sonologist experience affected interobserver agreement with respect to visualization of entire normal appendix and appendicitis.

Pembrolizumab related perforated appendicitis.

Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody IgG4 programmed cell death protein 1 antagonist, and its use in oncology has been increasing in recent years, providing durable and favorable responses and tolerable toxicity profiles in various types of cancer. We describe a case of pembrolizumab related perforated appendicitis in a patient with stage 3C malignant melanoma (MM). A 70-year-old male patient who had no known disease was diagnosed with MM as a result of the excision of the mass on his right shoulder. The disease stage was stage 3C (pT4aN1bM0). Subsequently, adjuvant pembrolizumab treatment was started. A few days after the fourth maintenance course, he presented to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Emergency abdominal tomography showed a significant increase in the diameter of the appendix vermiformis, peritoneal thickening and appendiceal wall defects that could be significant in terms of perforation. The mentioned finding and given the clinical presentation, was attributed to a perporating of the appendix, so the patient was hospitalized in the Department of Surgery and the patient underwent emergency appendectomy. Histological findings were consistent with appendicitis. After a day in the hospital, the abdominal pain subsided, C-reactive protein tended to decrease and the patient was discharged. In patients who develop acute abdominal pain with or without diarrhea during immunotherapy, urgent imaging, endoscopic and clinical evaluation should be performed, and bowel perforation, although rare, should be considered as a potential complication of any immunotherapy.

A Case of Acute Appendicitis Complicated by Necrotizing Fasciitis Requiring Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Acute appendicitis represents one of the most common causes of acute abdomen that may warrant emergency surgery. Necrotizing fasciitis complicated by acute appendicitis is considered a rare complication with life-threatening implications. A 65-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, where a scan, revealed a perforated appendicitis complicated by an anterior abdominal wall collection. He underwent percutaneous drainage, but subsequently developed extensive necrotizing fasciitis requiring extensive debridement and reconstruction. The rapid progression of necrotizing fasciitis calls for early recognition and prompt intervention. The key management principles employed were broad spectrum antibiotics and aggressive surgical debridement. This case demonstrated the use of vacuum-assisted closure dressing and multidisciplinary care in wound healing and coverage. To ensure early diagnosis and intervention for acute appendicitis complicated by necrotizing fasciitis, a high degree of clinical suspicion and awareness of this complication is required.

The contemporary management of perforated appendicitis in adults: To operate or wait?

ObjectivesThe optimal management of perforated appendicitis remains controversial. Many studies advocate for antibiotics and an interval appendectomy whereas others suggest that performing an appendectomy at the time of presentation decreases post-operative morbidity. Confounding this argument further are the patients who fail non-operative management and end up requiring surgery during their initial hospitalization. This study aims to determine if early operative intervention should be considered for perforated appendicitis. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent an appendectomy (both laparoscopic or open) for perforated appendicitis between 2015 and 2020 at our institution. ResultsA total of 271 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Of this group, 250 patients underwent an immediate appendectomy whereas the remaining 21 patients underwent a trial of non-operative management and eventually required an appendectomy during their initial admission. When comparing the immediate versus delayed operative groups, there were no differences in demographic data including age and gender, and no differences in various imaging findings including AAST Grade IV or V appendicitis. Operatively, patients in the delayed group had a longer operative time (83.1 ± 32.9 vs. 64.1 ± 26.2, p = 0.01), were more likely to require an open operation (23.8 % vs. 2.8 %, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to have a drain placed intra-operatively (42.9 % vs 14.4 %, p = 0.004). While there were no differences in 30-day readmission rates, patients in the delayed group had a significantly longer hospital length of stay than patients in the immediate group (9.4 ± 7.4 vs. 3.1 ± 3.3, p = 0.008). ConclusionsPatients undergoing an immediate appendectomy for perforated appendicitis can discharge from the hospital sooner and demonstrate no increase in post-operative morbidity suggesting that surgeons can initially manage this disease process in an operative fashion.