Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Postoperative Ileus Murine Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
[Fast track protocol for children undergoing appendicectomy]
Insights
A new appendicitis protocol in children significantly reduces hospital stays for complicated cases. This approach allows early discharge without increasing complication rates, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Protocols
Background:
- Appendicitis treatment in children varies, with a need for optimized protocols.
- Current approaches aim to reduce hospital stays while maintaining safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel appendicitis treatment protocol for pediatric patients.
- The protocol aims to shorten hospital stays without compromising safety.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data from 96 children treated under a new protocol were analyzed.
- Outcomes were compared to 100 historical controls treated with a standard protocol.
- The new protocol involves tailored antibiotic regimens based on appendicitis complexity.
Main Results:
- The new protocol led to shorter hospitalizations for simple appendicitis.
- Over 50% of complicated appendicitis cases were discharged before day 5.
- No increase in complication rates was observed with the new protocol.
Conclusions:
- Simple appendicitis requires no further postoperative treatment.
- Short-course antibiotics guided by clinical criteria enable early discharge for complicated appendicitis.
- Thrombocytosis and prolonged vomiting may indicate infectious complications.
Background:
Multiple approaches to the treatment of simple and complicated (gangrenous or perforated) appendicitis in children have been promoted. Our goal is to develop a new protocol for these patients that allows shorter hospital stays without increasing complications rates.
Methods:
Prospective collected data of patients undergoing appendicitis treated according to the new protocol for a period of 7 months were reviewed. This protocol consists on antibiotic prophylaxis in all cases continued with triple antibiotic regimen in complicated appendicitis. Antibiotics were stopped when specific clinical and laboratory criteria were met. Outcomes are compared to a historical group of patients treated under standard protocol (antibiotic prophylaxis followed by 48 hours of dual antibiotic therapy in simple appendicitis or 5 day-course of triple antibiotic therapy in complicated as postooperative antibiotic regimen).
Results:
A total of 196 patients (96 current group and 100 historical group) were reviewed. In simple appendicitis average length of postoperative hospitalization was significantly lower in the current group (no statistical difference). 52.9% of complicated appendicitis in the current group were discharged home before 5th day without increasing the complication rate. When a wound infection or intraabdominal abscess occurs thrombocytosis (52%) and prolonged vomiting are the most frequent symptoms.
Conclusion:
No further postoperative treatment is needed in simple appendicitis. In complicated appendictis a short course of antibiotics according to clinical and laboratory criteria allows early discharge without major morbidity. Prolonged postoperative vomiting and thrombocytosis suggest infectious complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...