Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Acute appendicitis is a leading cause of emergency intra-abdominal surgery globally.
• Data from multi-racial populations are crucial for understanding disease patterns and outcomes.
• This study contributes institutional data to global appendicitis databases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the presentation, diagnosis, management, and post-operative outcomes of acute appendicitis.
• To identify risk factors for severe complications and prolonged length of stay (LOS).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1185 patients undergoing appendectomy from 2009-2014.
• Multivariate regression analysis to identify risk factors for prolonged LOS.
• Outcomes included demographics, presentation, perioperative management, and post-operative results.

Main Results:

• Mean age was 36.4 years; 79.3% were male. No racial variations in diagnosis or presentation.
• Mean symptom duration was 1.8 days; common symptoms included abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy showed a shorter LOS compared to open surgery; Burmese and Thai patients had prolonged LOS.

Conclusions:

• Pre-operative diagnosis is achievable via clinical presentation or imaging.
• Risk factors for increased LOS include age, male gender, prolonged symptoms, fever, and operative time.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with shorter LOS, aligning with existing literature.