Recovery and convalescence after laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis: A longitudinal cohort study

Information about predictors for the duration of convalescence and the overall general wellbeing after laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis is missing in the scientific literature. We aimed to describe and identify predictors for the duration of convalescence and the quality of recovery for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis.

A prospective cohort of adult patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis was performed between July 2014 and December 2014. Patients completed a QoR-15 questionnaire six times during the 30-d postoperative period. Time until resumption of recreational and occupational activities was recorded. Potential predictors for the duration of convalescence and the quality of recovery measured by the QoR-15 score were identified.

A total of 108 patients were included, and 95 patients were eligible for analysis. The median duration of convalescence was 13 d. Disease, depressive mood, level of recreational activities, age, and pain at rest on the first postoperative day were significant predictors of the duration of convalescence. Gender, postoperative complications, disease, and anxiety were significant predictors of the quality of recovery during the 30-d postoperative period. A 10% increase in the QoR-15 score increased the hazard ratio of 1.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.43, P = 0.002) for ending the period of convalescence.

Duration of convalescence after laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis seems long. Psychological factors, demographical factors, and perioperative outcomes were important predictors for the quality of recovery and the duration of convalescence. Increased quality of recovery is associated with a shorter period of convalescence.