A Study Comparing Outcomes of Appendectomy between HIV-Infected and HIV-Negative Patients

Area of Science:

• Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence impacts general surgical conditions in South Africa.
• Limited data exists on HIV status effects on surgical outcomes in high-prevalence settings.
• Appendicitis outcomes in HIV-prevalent areas are under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and compare appendectomy outcomes between HIV-infected (HIV+) and HIV-negative (HIV-) patients.
• To investigate the influence of HIV status on appendicitis surgical management.
• To provide data on surgical outcomes in a high HIV prevalence context.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 134 patients undergoing appendectomy.
• Data collected: demographics, symptom duration, HIV status, surgical approach, operative findings, histopathology, hospital stay, complications.
• Comparative analysis between HIV+ and HIV- patient groups.

Main Results:

• 18.4% of patients were HIV+; they were older with longer pre-hospital symptom duration (3.94 vs. 2.57 days).
• HIV+ patients had significantly higher postoperative complication rates (44.4% vs. 17.2%) and longer hospital stays (7.28 vs. 5.95 days).
• No differences observed in appendiceal rupture, histopathology, or mortality rates between groups.

Conclusions:

• HIV+ patients presented later for appendectomy.
• Appendectomy in HIV+ individuals was associated with increased postoperative morbidity and prolonged hospitalization.
• Delayed presentation and increased complications in HIV+ patients necessitate tailored surgical care strategies.