Our Summary

This study looked at the risk factors and outcomes for adults who develop sepsis, a severe infection, after having their appendix removed. The researchers looked at data from over 72,000 patients who had their appendix removed between 2012 and 2015. They found that sepsis occurred in just under half a percent of these patients, and of those who developed sepsis, about 5.5% died within 30 days. The study found that certain factors increase the risk of developing sepsis after appendix removal, including being 60 years or older, being African American, being severely overweight, having kidney failure or being on dialysis, having a widespread cancer, and having an open (as opposed to minimally invasive) appendectomy. These patients were also more likely to need to return to the operating room, be readmitted to the hospital, and die within 30 days of surgery. The study’s findings could help doctors identify patients who are at higher risk of developing sepsis after appendix removal, and guide treatment decisions to reduce the risk of sepsis.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of patients developed sepsis after having their appendix removed according to the study?
  2. What factors were found to increase the risk of developing sepsis after an appendectomy?
  3. How can the study’s findings help doctors in treating patients who have had their appendix removed?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about appendectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to reduce the risk of complications such as sepsis. This may include taking prescribed antibiotics as directed, keeping the surgical site clean and dry, and avoiding strenuous activities until fully healed. It’s also important to monitor for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, or swelling at the incision site, fever, or abnormal discharge. If any concerning symptoms arise, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for an appendectomy are those who have been diagnosed with appendicitis, which is inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms of appendicitis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. An appendectomy is usually recommended as the standard treatment for appendicitis to prevent the appendix from rupturing and causing a potentially life-threatening infection. In some cases, patients with a history of recurrent appendicitis may also be recommended for an appendectomy to prevent future episodes.

Timeline

Before appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences abdominal pain, usually starting in the middle of the abdomen and then moving to the lower right side.
  2. Patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever.
  3. Patient undergoes physical examination, blood tests, and possibly imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and patient is instructed on pre-operative preparations.

After appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes appendectomy surgery, which can be done either through open surgery or laparoscopically.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and then transferred to a hospital room for further observation.
  3. Patient is given pain medication and instructions on post-operative care, including wound care and activity restrictions.
  4. Patient may experience some soreness and discomfort in the abdomen for a few days after surgery.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are able to tolerate food, walk around, and have their pain under control.
  6. Patient follows up with their surgeon for a post-operative check-up to ensure proper healing and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential complications of an appendectomy, including the risk of developing sepsis?
  2. Are there any specific risk factors that I have that may increase my risk of developing sepsis after the surgery?
  3. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing sepsis after an appendectomy?
  4. How will my recovery process be affected if I develop sepsis after the surgery?
  5. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate the development of sepsis post-surgery?
  6. How will sepsis be treated if it occurs after my appendectomy?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with developing sepsis after an appendectomy?
  8. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or hospital readmission if sepsis occurs after my appendectomy?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to reduce the risk of sepsis?
  10. How will my overall health and medical history affect my risk of developing sepsis after an appendectomy?

Reference

Authors: Ninh A, Wood K, Bui AH, Leitman IM. Journal: Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2019 Dec;20(8):601-606. doi: 10.1089/sur.2019.003. Epub 2019 Apr 20. PMID: 31009326