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Early discharge following appendicectomy in children
Insights
Early discharge after appendectomy is safe for children. Most patients go home within 48 hours without complications, showing benefits for patients and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common pediatric surgical emergency.
- Traditionally, prolonged hospital stays followed appendectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early discharge after non-perforated appendectomy in children.
- To identify predictors of readmission following early discharge.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 410 children undergoing non-perforated appendectomy.
- Data collected on postoperative stay, readmissions, and patient factors.
- Analysis of temperature and bowel movements as predictors of complications.
Main Results:
- Mean postoperative stay was 46 hours.
- 80% of children discharged within 48 hours.
- Neither temperature nor bowel motions predicted readmission or complications.
Conclusions:
- Early discharge policy for pediatric non-perforated appendectomy is safe and beneficial.
- Current discharge criteria (temperature, bowel movements) are not predictive of adverse outcomes.
- Shorter hospital stays reduce costs and improve patient experience.
Abstract:
In a prospective study of 410 children who had a non-perforated appendix removed, the mean postoperative stay was 46 hours and 80% of patients were discharged within 48 hours. Twenty-two patients were readmitted, but neither the temperature of the patient, nor bowel motions passed prior to discharge were of any prognostic value in predicting those who would develop postoperative complications. The cost saving and the patient benefit of earlier return to home environment recommend this policy.