Early discharge following appendicectomy in children

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.