Our Summary

This research paper looked at two ways of treating appendectomies, one of the most common emergency surgeries. One method is the traditional method where the patient’s own surgeon operates on them (TRAD). The other is a newer method where a team of surgeons who are on shift at the time (ACS) operate, and they don’t have their own patients.

The researchers looked at all the appendectomies in a hospital over two years and found that the method didn’t make a difference to who the patients were, how the appendicitis showed up, or how often complications happened. However, patients waited half a day longer to get to the hospital if they were in the traditional group.

Once in the hospital, the ACS patients got to surgery nearly two hours faster, left the hospital two days sooner, and their total hospital bill was almost $2500 less. They were also less likely to have their appendix burst before surgery.

Even when the researchers took into account that the traditional group waited longer to get to the hospital, the ACS group still had better results.

In conclusion, the ACS method of treating acute appendicitis seems to be as successful as the traditional method but gets patients into surgery faster, out of the hospital sooner, and costs less.

FAQs

  1. Does the method of treatment for appendectomies (TRAD or ACS) affect the rate of complications?
  2. What are the benefits of the ACS method of treating acute appendicitis compared to the traditional method?
  3. Do patients in the traditional group wait longer to get to the hospital than those in the ACS group?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic appendectomy is that it is a minimally invasive procedure that typically results in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities sooner after a laparoscopic appendectomy. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic appendectomy include those with acute appendicitis who are healthy enough to undergo surgery. This includes patients who present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In particular, patients who present early in the course of their appendicitis and do not have a ruptured appendix are good candidates for laparoscopic appendectomy.

Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for complications from traditional open appendectomy, such as those who are obese or have underlying medical conditions, may also be recommended for laparoscopic appendectomy. This minimally invasive approach can lead to quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and lower overall costs compared to open surgery.

Overall, laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective treatment option for most patients with acute appendicitis, and is often the preferred method due to its benefits in terms of recovery and outcomes.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
  2. Patient seeks medical attention and is diagnosed with acute appendicitis.
  3. Patient is admitted to the hospital and prepared for surgery.

After laparoscopic appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic appendectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the appendix.
  2. Patient experiences less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital sooner, typically within 1-2 days after surgery.
  4. Patient may experience some soreness and discomfort in the abdomen for a few days after surgery.
  5. Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions, including taking prescribed medications and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic appendectomy include:

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy compared to traditional open surgery?
  2. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic appendectomies?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic appendectomy?
  4. How long is the recovery time after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  5. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. Will I need any special follow-up care or restrictions after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my case that may affect the success of a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  8. How will the cost of a laparoscopic appendectomy compare to traditional open surgery?
  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery or experiencing recurrent appendicitis after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for appendicitis that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Dhanaskeara CS, Caballero B, Moolupuri A, Chung C, Puckett Y, Santos A, Estrada M, Alhaj Saleh A, Ronaghan CA, Dissanaike S, Richmond RE. Journal: J Surg Res. 2023 Jan;281:282-288. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.08.036. Epub 2022 Oct 8. PMID: 36219940