Routine use of intravenous fluids in appendicectomy is unnecessary

Fifty-three patients aged 13 to 48 years (mean 27.5 years) underwent appendicectomy for acute non-perforated appendicitis in Benin city or Asaba, Nigeria, between November 1990 and December 1992 and did not receive intravenous fluids at any stage. Postoperatively, they were started on oral hydration as soon as they recovered fully from anaesthesia. Two (3.8%) patients vomited postoperatively but this did not significantly interfere with their oral hydration. Six (11.4%) patients developed wound infection. All the patients were discharged within 48 hours. Routine use of intravenous fluids in appendicectomy for non-perforated appendicitis is unnecessary and wasteful. It should be used only in selected cases.