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[Oral hydration with rehydration salts in appendectomized patients]
W Azabache Puente1, L Johanson Arias
1Departamento de Cirugía-Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Cirujano del Hospital Regional Docente, Trujilo, Peru.
Summary
Oral rehydratant salts are as effective as intravenous fluids for post-appendectomy hydration. This approach offers faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and cost savings for patients undergoing appendectomy.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Postoperative Care
Background:
- Parenteral hydration is standard post-appendectomy care.
- Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) offers potential benefits but requires validation in this setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of oral rehydration salts versus parenteral infusion for immediate post-appendectomy hydration.
- To evaluate patient tolerance, recovery parameters, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A randomized prospective study involving 80 patients undergoing appendectomy.
- Patients were assigned to receive either oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids.
- Outcomes assessed included hydration tolerance, appetite, ambulation, complication rates, and hospital stay duration.
Main Results:
- Excellent hydration tolerance was observed in both groups (92.5% oral vs. 87.5% parenteral; p > 0.05).
- Oral hydration led to significantly earlier return of appetite (p < 0.05), earlier ambulation (p < 0.05), and shorter hospital stays (p < 0.05).
- No significant impact of antibiotics or wound infection on hospital stay was noted.
Conclusions:
- Oral rehydration with rehydrant salts is a safe and effective alternative to parenteral hydration immediately after appendectomy, even in cases of appendicular abscess and diffuse peritonitis.
- Oral hydration demonstrates superior patient recovery metrics, including faster ambulation and appetite return.
- This method provides significant cost and time savings, alongside a reduced hospital stay.