Our Summary

This research paper investigates a new, less invasive method of treating acute appendicitis called Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy (ERAT), and compares it to the traditional method of laparoscopic appendectomy. The study looked at patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis from April 2017 to March 2020.

The results showed that ERAT was successful in treating acute appendicitis in 92.1% of the cases within 1 year. Also, it was found that patients who underwent ERAT experienced significantly less post-treatment pain compared to those who had a laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients who were treated with ERAT also spent less time in the hospital and had a quicker procedure time.

The rate of recurrence, or the appendicitis coming back, was found to be 50 days on average in the ERAT group. The rate of complications was slightly lower in the ERAT group than in the laparoscopic appendectomy group, but this difference was not statistically significant.

The study concludes that ERAT is a feasible alternative to laparoscopic appendectomy for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

FAQs

  1. What is Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy (ERAT)?
  2. How effective is ERAT in treating acute appendicitis compared to the traditional laparoscopic appendectomy?
  3. What are the benefits of using ERAT over laparoscopic appendectomy in terms of post-treatment pain, hospital stay, and procedure time?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about appendectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed pain medication, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity, and watching for signs of infection such as fever, redness, or swelling at the surgical site. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for an appendectomy include those with acute appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms of acute appendicitis may include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

In the study mentioned above, patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis were selected for the research on ERAT as a treatment option. Uncomplicated acute appendicitis refers to cases where there is no rupture or abscess formation in the appendix. Patients with complicated appendicitis, such as those with a ruptured appendix or abscess, may require a more traditional surgical approach, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Overall, patients who are in good general health and have not experienced complications from their appendicitis are typically recommended for an appendectomy. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for their specific case.

Timeline

Before the appendectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever
  • Patient goes to the doctor or emergency room for evaluation
  • Diagnosis of acute appendicitis is made through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital for treatment

After the appendectomy:

  • Patient undergoes either laparoscopic appendectomy or ERAT procedure
  • Recovery period in the hospital typically lasts 1-2 days
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and instructed to rest at home
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery and ensure there are no complications

Overall, the patient should experience relief from appendicitis symptoms and a quicker recovery with ERAT compared to laparoscopic appendectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of ERAT compared to traditional laparoscopic appendectomy for treating acute appendicitis?
  2. How does the pain experienced post-treatment compare between ERAT and laparoscopic appendectomy?
  3. What is the average hospital stay and procedure time for patients undergoing ERAT?
  4. What is the rate of recurrence of appendicitis after undergoing ERAT?
  5. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with ERAT compared to laparoscopic appendectomy?
  6. How does the cost of ERAT compare to traditional laparoscopic appendectomy?
  7. What are the long-term outcomes for patients who undergo ERAT for acute appendicitis?
  8. Are there any specific criteria or eligibility requirements for undergoing ERAT as a treatment for acute appendicitis?
  9. How does the recovery process differ between ERAT and laparoscopic appendectomy?
  10. Are there any potential alternative treatments for acute appendicitis that should be considered in addition to ERAT and laparoscopic appendectomy?

Reference

Authors: Yang B, Kong L, Ullah S, Zhao L, Liu D, Li D, Shi X, Jia X, Dalal P, Liu B. Journal: Endoscopy. 2022 Aug;54(8):747-754. doi: 10.1055/a-1737-6381. Epub 2022 Mar 7. PMID: 35021234