Our Summary

This research paper looks at whether it’s safe for children to go home on the same day after having an appendectomy, a surgery to remove the appendix. The researchers used a large national database of surgical results to compare kids who went home the same day of their surgery with those who stayed at the hospital overnight. They found that children of non-Hispanic black race were more likely to stay overnight after the surgery. However, they also found that going home on the same day did not increase the risk of children needing to be readmitted to the hospital or experiencing complications within 30 days of the surgery. Therefore, the researchers suggest that it might be possible to safely send more children home on the same day of their surgery, which could reduce healthcare costs.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe for children to go home on the same day after having an appendectomy?
  2. Does going home on the same day increase the risk of complications or the need for readmission within 30 days of the surgery?
  3. Could sending children home on the same day of their surgery help reduce healthcare costs?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric appendectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, keeping the incision site clean and dry, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by the doctor. It is also important to monitor for signs of infection, such as fever, increasing pain, or redness and swelling at the incision site, and to contact the doctor if any concerns arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can aid in the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for pediatric appendectomy are children who are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Appendectomy is usually recommended when a child’s symptoms are consistent with acute appendicitis and imaging studies confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, children with a history of recurrent appendicitis or chronic appendicitis may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for pediatric patients to be evaluated by a pediatric surgeon or other healthcare provider with experience in pediatric appendectomy to determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before pediatric appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, and fever.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies to confirm appendicitis.
  3. Patient is scheduled for surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.

After pediatric appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the appendectomy surgery, which is typically performed laparoscopically.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours post-surgery.
  3. If the patient is stable and not experiencing any complications, they may be discharged home on the same day of the surgery.
  4. Patient is given post-operative instructions for care at home, including pain management, wound care, and diet restrictions.
  5. Patient may have a follow-up appointment with their surgeon to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is it safe for my child to go home on the same day after an appendectomy?
  2. What factors will determine if my child can go home on the same day or if they need to stay overnight?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with sending my child home on the same day?
  4. What signs or symptoms should I watch for at home that may indicate a complication after the surgery?
  5. How should I care for my child at home following the appendectomy?
  6. When should I schedule a follow-up appointment after the surgery?
  7. Are there any restrictions on my child’s activities or diet after the surgery?
  8. What pain management options are available for my child after the surgery?
  9. How long is the typical recovery time for a child after an appendectomy?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations we should be aware of following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wakimoto M, Miller R, Shafy SZ, Tumin D, Veneziano G, Tobias JD. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2019 Jul;29(7):965-969. doi: 10.1089/lap.2019.0046. Epub 2019 May 17. PMID: 31099710