Our Summary

This study looked at whether using a plastic bag during a less invasive type of appendix removal surgery could affect the risk of infection, complications, and death. The researchers looked at data from a national database that collects information about surgical quality. They examined information from 2016 to 2019 about adults who had this type of surgery without needing to switch to a more invasive method. They found out that out of 43,783 cases, almost 92% reported using a plastic bag during the surgery. Their findings suggest that using a plastic bag was linked to a significant reduction in superficial surgical site infections and the risk of postoperative abscesses. The use of a plastic bag was also associated with a significant decrease in overall medicine-related complications and deaths, even after considering other factors. However, the study has some limitations, including the fact that it was observational, which means it might still contain some biases. Also, there was a significant amount of missing data about plastic bag use, which might affect the results.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of this study about appendectomy?
  2. How was the use of a plastic bag during appendix removal surgery linked to the risk of infection, complications, and death?
  3. What were the limitations of the study on the use of plastic bags during appendectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about appendectomy is to ask your surgeon about the use of a plastic bag during the surgery. Based on the findings of this study, using a plastic bag during the less invasive type of appendix removal surgery may help reduce the risk of infection, complications, and death. It’s important to discuss this option with your healthcare provider to see if it is appropriate for your individual case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for an appendectomy include those who have been diagnosed with appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix. Common symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, patients may also experience diarrhea or constipation. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to complications such as a ruptured appendix, which can be life-threatening.

In general, appendectomy is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with appendicitis and are experiencing symptoms that indicate an inflamed or infected appendix. The surgery is typically performed as soon as possible to prevent complications and reduce the risk of infection spreading to other parts of the body. In some cases, a less invasive approach using a plastic bag during surgery may be considered to reduce the risk of infection and complications.

Timeline

Before appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  2. Patient undergoes medical evaluation, which may include physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan) to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
  3. Patient may be admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment with antibiotics to reduce inflammation and infection in the appendix.

After appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy), which can be done through traditional open surgery or laparoscopic surgery (using small incisions and a camera).
  2. After surgery, patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being transferred to a hospital room.
  3. Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medications.
  4. Patient is encouraged to walk and perform breathing exercises to prevent complications such as pneumonia.
  5. Patient is typically discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days after surgery, with instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
  6. In the following weeks, patient may gradually resume normal activities and diet, while avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
  7. Patient may experience some temporary changes in bowel habits or digestion as the body adjusts to the absence of the appendix.
  8. Overall, most patients recover fully from an appendectomy within 2-4 weeks, with a low risk of complications or long-term effects.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of using a plastic bag during the appendectomy surgery?
  2. How common is the use of a plastic bag during this type of surgery?
  3. Are there any alternative methods to using a plastic bag during the surgery?
  4. How does using a plastic bag during the surgery affect the risk of infection and complications compared to not using one?
  5. What is the recovery process like for patients who have had an appendectomy with a plastic bag?
  6. Are there any specific precautions or follow-up care that I should be aware of if a plastic bag is used during my surgery?
  7. How will using a plastic bag during the surgery impact my long-term outcomes or prognosis?
  8. Are there any specific factors that may make me a better or worse candidate for using a plastic bag during the surgery?
  9. How will the decision to use a plastic bag during the surgery be made, and will I have a say in this decision?

Reference

Authors: Moisés De Almeida Leite R, de Souza AV, Cauley C, Goldstone R, Francone T, Bay CP, Ricciardi R. Journal: Am Surg. 2023 Nov;89(11):4604-4609. doi: 10.1177/00031348221124320. Epub 2022 Aug 30. PMID: 36041882