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Early discharge after appendicectomy in children
C E Velhote1, T F de Oliveira Velhote, M C Velhote
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Institute, Hospital da Santa Casa de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica
|July 3, 1999
Summary
Same-day discharge appendicectomy (day-care surgery) is safe for children. This approach reduces hospital stays and costs without increasing the risk of complications in pediatric appendicitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Appendicectomy is a common surgical procedure in children.
- Traditional hospital stays for pediatric appendicectomy can be lengthy and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of same-day discharge appendicectomy (day-care surgery) in pediatric patients.
- To determine if day-care appendicectomy impacts complication rates or hospital costs.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted in pediatric hospitals in Brazil.
- 144 children underwent standard muscle-splitting appendicectomy.
- Key outcomes measured included hospital stay duration, antibiotic use, and complication rates.
Main Results:
- 86% of children (124 patients) were discharged within 24 hours of surgery.
- The overall infective complication rate was 8% (12 patients), comparable to larger appendicectomy series.
- Most patients received prophylactic metronidazole, with 54% receiving no postoperative antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Same-day discharge appendicectomy is a safe and feasible option for children.
- This approach effectively reduces hospital stay duration and associated healthcare costs.
- Day-care appendicectomy does not appear to increase the risk of complications in pediatric patients.