Our Summary

This study looks at children who have cancer and low white blood cell count (leukopenia) and how this affects them after they have surgery to remove their appendix (appendectomy) or gallbladder (cholecystectomy). The researchers looked at the records of patients from a national database between 2012 and 2018. They found that having leukopenia did not increase the chance of complications after surgery or lengthen the time the child stayed in the hospital post-surgery. So, these surgeries can be performed safely on kids with cancer who also have leukopenia.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on children with cancer and leukopenia who underwent appendectomy or cholecystectomy?
  2. Did the study find that leukopenia increased the risk of complications post-surgery in children with cancer?
  3. Can appendectomy and cholecystectomy be performed safely on children with cancer and leukopenia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric appendectomy is to ensure that the child follows all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting before surgery and taking any prescribed medications. Additionally, it is important for the child to communicate any concerns or symptoms they may be experiencing to their healthcare provider before and after the procedure. Following post-operative care instructions, such as proper wound care and avoiding strenuous activities, will also help ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Typically, pediatric patients who are recommended for appendectomy are those who are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure for children with appendicitis, as it is necessary to remove the inflamed appendix to prevent it from rupturing and causing further complications.

In the case of children with cancer and low white blood cell count, surgery may still be recommended if they are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis. However, the decision to proceed with surgery will depend on the individual patient’s overall health and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. In this study, researchers found that children with cancer and leukopenia can safely undergo appendectomy without an increased risk of complications or prolonged hospital stay.

Timeline

Before pediatric appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences abdominal pain, often starting around the belly button and then moving to the lower right side of the abdomen.
  2. Patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever.
  3. Patient undergoes physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests (such as ultrasound or CT scan) to diagnose appendicitis.
  4. Pediatric surgeon recommends appendectomy as the treatment for appendicitis.

After pediatric appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications.
  3. Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site.
  4. Patient is given pain medication and instructions for post-operative care, including diet and activity restrictions.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are able to tolerate fluids and have stable vital signs.
  6. Patient follows up with the pediatric surgeon for post-operative check-ups to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Overall, pediatric appendectomy is a common and safe surgical procedure for treating appendicitis in children. With proper diagnosis, timely intervention, and post-operative care, most patients recover well and can resume their normal activities within a few weeks.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of having an appendectomy for my child with cancer and low white blood cell count?

  2. Are there any special precautions or considerations that need to be taken during the surgery due to my child’s medical condition?

  3. How will having leukopenia affect my child’s recovery time and overall outcome after the surgery?

  4. What is the expected length of hospital stay for my child after the appendectomy?

  5. Will my child need any additional treatment or monitoring after the surgery due to their underlying medical condition?

  6. Are there any specific symptoms or signs that I should watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication related to my child’s leukopenia?

  7. What is the long-term prognosis for my child after they have had an appendectomy with their current medical condition?

Reference

Authors: Patel PP, Weller JH, Westermann CR, Cappiello C, Garcia AV, Rhee DS. Journal: J Surg Res. 2021 Nov;267:556-562. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.06.029. Epub 2021 Jul 11. PMID: 34261006