Romualdas Riauka, Povilas Ignatavičius, Žygimantas Tverskis, Žilvinas Dambrauskas
Abstract
Introduction. Historically appendicitis is tending to be operated as soon as possible to prevent future complications. Recent discussions show, that urgent operation does not always reduce the rate of postoperative complications. Immediate appendectomy can be delayed in some cases.
Methods. Retrospective, non-randomized, single center, cohort study was performed. During one-year period 167 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included in the study. The study population was divided into two groups according to the time from the onset of the symptoms to the operation. Group I (≤ 24 hours) – 74 patients and Group II (≥ 24 hours) – 93 patients. Primary (postoperative complications) and secondary (operating time, length of hospital stay and perforation rate at the final pathology report) endpoints were evaluated and compared. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications when comparing both groups. In Group I – 21.9% patients (87.5% Grade I) and in Group II – 25.8% patients (83% Grade I) had postoperative complications. Operating time was similar between the groups (72.97±29.1 (Group I) vs 79.95±35.4 minutes (Group II)). Length of hospital stay was longer in Group II, but no statistically significant difference was found (2.85±2.3 vs 3.34±4.88 days accordingly). Perforation rate at the final pathology report was twice higher in Group II (8 (10.8%) vs 17 (18.3%)), but no statistically significant difference was found.
Conclusions. This study findings support earlier reports showing that delayed appendectomy is safe surgical procedure without higher rate of postoperative complications and may be applied in certain cases.
Keyword(s): acute appendicitis, appendectomy, surgery.
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2018.019
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