Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
Time to appendectomy for acute appendicitis: A systematic review
Danielle B Cameron1, Regan Williams2, Yimin Geng3
1Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
Insights
Prompt appendectomy within 24 hours for pediatric acute appendicitis is safe, not increasing perforation risks or costs. Further research is needed on patient satisfaction related to surgical timing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is common in children.
- Timely surgical intervention (appendectomy) is standard treatment.
- Optimal timing for appendectomy to minimize adverse events and costs is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop evidence-based recommendations on the optimal time to perform appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children.
- To evaluate the impact of appendectomy timing on adverse events, healthcare costs, and patient/parent satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of Level 1-4 studies.
- Searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases (1970-2016).
- Developed consensus recommendations based on available evidence for pediatric and adult populations.
Main Results:
- Appendectomy within 24 hours of admission is not associated with increased perforation rates or adverse events (Level 3-4 evidence).
- Timing of appendectomy within 24 hours does not increase hospital costs or length of stay (Level 4 evidence).
- Limited data exist on the association between appendectomy timing and patient/parent satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- High-quality evidence on appendectomy timing for acute appendicitis is limited.
- Performing appendectomy within 24 hours of presentation appears safe and does not increase perforation risk or adverse outcomes.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal timing for patient satisfaction.
Objective:
The goal of this systematic review by the American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee was to develop recommendations regarding time to appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children within the context of preventing adverse events, reducing cost, and optimizing patient/parent satisfaction.
Methods:
The committee selected three questions that were addressed by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for English language articles published between January 1, 1970 and November 3, 2016. Consensus recommendations for each question were made based on the best available evidence for both children and adults.
Results:
Based on level 3-4 evidence, appendectomy performed within 24h of admission in patients with acute appendicitis does not appear to be associated with increased perforation rates or other adverse events. Based on level 4 evidence, time from admission to appendectomy within 24h does not increase hospital cost or length of stay (LOS). Data are currently limited to determine an association between the timing of appendectomy and parent/patient satisfaction.
Conclusions:
There is a paucity of high-quality evidence in the literature regarding timing of appendectomy for patients with acute appendicitis and its association with adverse events or resource utilization. Based on available evidence, appendectomy performed within the first 24h from presentation is not associated with an increased risk of perforation or adverse outcomes.
Type Of Study:
Systematic Review of Level 1-4 studies.
More Related Videos
03:42Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Published on: March 15, 2024
04:01Indocyanine Green-Guided Intraoperative Imaging to Facilitate Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Debridement for Treating Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Published on: September 8, 2022
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...
01:22Appendicitis-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...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: