Our Summary

This research paper looked into the rates of complications following two common types of children’s surgeries - appendectomy (removal of the appendix) and cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) - in Canada, the US, and the UK. The researchers found that the average hospital stay was about 3 to 3.5 days for these surgeries. Mortality rates were low, at 0.06% for appendectomy and 0.24% for cholecystectomy. The rate of patients needing to be readmitted to the hospital or requiring further surgery was also low. When comparing the countries, Canadian and UK studies showed shorter hospital stays for appendectomies compared to US studies. The UK also had lower mortality and readmission rates compared to the US. The researchers concluded that while the outcomes for these surgeries are generally good, there are differences between countries. Understanding these differences could help improve the safety of children’s surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the average hospital stays for appendectomy and cholecystectomy surgeries according to the research?
  2. How did the mortality and readmission rates for these surgeries vary between Canada, the US, and the UK?
  3. What was the purpose of studying the differences in outcomes of these surgeries between countries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about appendectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, getting plenty of rest, and gradually increasing activity levels as advised. It is also important to watch for signs of infection or complications, such as increasing pain, fever, or vomiting, and to contact your healthcare provider if any concerning symptoms arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can aid in the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for an appendectomy are those who are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, a patient may also have an elevated white blood cell count, indicating an infection. It is important for patients to undergo surgery promptly to prevent the appendix from rupturing, which can lead to serious complications such as peritonitis.

Appendectomy is a common and relatively safe surgical procedure, with low rates of complications and mortality. Patients who undergo an appendectomy can expect a short hospital stay and a quick recovery. Overall, appendectomy is a recommended treatment for patients with acute appendicitis.

Timeline

Before an appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences abdominal pain, often starting in the center of the abdomen and moving to the lower right side.
  2. Patient may also experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  3. Patient undergoes physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests (such as ultrasound or CT scan) to diagnose appendicitis.
  4. Once diagnosed, patient is prepared for surgery, which may include fasting and receiving IV fluids.

After an appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic or open surgery to remove the appendix.
  2. Recovery time in the hospital is typically 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of surgery and any complications.
  3. Patient may experience pain at the incision site, sore throat (if a breathing tube was used during surgery), and bloating.
  4. Patient is given pain medication, antibiotics, and instructions for post-operative care.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital and advised to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and follow up with their healthcare provider for any concerns or complications.
  6. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with an appendectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after an appendectomy?
  3. Are there any dietary restrictions or special instructions I should follow after the surgery?
  4. What are the signs of infection or other complications that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  5. Will I need any pain medication or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. How soon can I return to normal activities, such as work or exercise, after an appendectomy?
  7. What is the success rate of appendectomies in terms of resolving the underlying medical issue?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with an appendectomy?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team that will be performing the appendectomy?
  10. How does the hospital where the surgery will be performed compare to others in terms of outcomes and patient safety?

Reference

Authors: Daodu OO, Zondervan N, Urban D, MacRobie A, Brindle M. Journal: J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Dec;54(12):2528-2538. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.08.033. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31575414