Our Summary

This research paper investigates the factors that could enable children, who have undergone surgery for appendicitis, to leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery and return to their normal activities quicker.

The study reviewed the medical records of children who had appendectomies (surgery to remove the appendix) from January 2015 to April 2017. Out of the 248 patients initially found, 63 were excluded due to various reasons such as a ruptured appendix or misdiagnosis. The remaining 185 children were split into two groups: those who left the hospital on the same day as their surgery and those who stayed one or more days after surgery.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the time taken to admit the patient for surgery after they arrived at the emergency room between the two groups. However, those who were discharged on the same day had their surgeries quicker after being admitted.

The two groups also did not significantly differ in the rate of complications or the percentage of patients who had to be readmitted to the hospital. The costs were significantly lower for the same-day discharge patients.

The study concluded that efficient management by the surgical team can help children leave the hospital on the same day as their appendectomy without increasing their risk of complications or the need for readmission. This also reduces hospital costs and can improve patient and family satisfaction.

FAQs

  1. What factors can enable children to leave the hospital on the same day of their appendectomy?
  2. Did the study find any significant difference in the rate of complications or readmissions between patients who were discharged on the same day and those who stayed longer?
  3. How does same-day discharge after an appendectomy impact hospital costs and patient satisfaction?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that, depending on their specific case, they may be able to go home on the same day as their pediatric appendectomy. This can help reduce costs, improve satisfaction, and allow the child to return to their normal activities quicker. Efficient management by the surgical team is key in ensuring a safe and successful same-day discharge.

Suitable For

Therefore, pediatric patients who are recommended for same-day discharge after a pediatric appendectomy are those who have uncomplicated cases of appendicitis, do not have a ruptured appendix, and are otherwise healthy and stable. These patients should also have a supportive home environment and access to appropriate post-operative care. It is important for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine if same-day discharge is safe and appropriate for them.

Timeline

Before pediatric appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
  2. Patient visits the emergency room or primary care physician
  3. Patient undergoes physical examination and diagnostic tests such as blood tests and imaging studies
  4. Patient is diagnosed with appendicitis and scheduled for surgery
  5. Patient may undergo preoperative preparation and consultation with the surgical team

After pediatric appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the inflamed appendix
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a period of time
  3. Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery
  4. Patient is assessed for any complications or adverse reactions
  5. Patient may be discharged on the same day of surgery or stay in the hospital for one or more days
  6. Patient is advised on postoperative care, including pain management and activity restrictions
  7. Patient follows up with the surgical team for postoperative evaluation and monitoring

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How common is same-day discharge after a pediatric appendectomy?

  2. What criteria do you use to determine if a child is eligible for same-day discharge after a pediatric appendectomy?

  3. Are there any specific precautions or instructions that should be followed at home after a same-day discharge?

  4. What signs or symptoms should we watch for that may indicate a complication following a pediatric appendectomy?

  5. How frequently should follow-up appointments be scheduled after a pediatric appendectomy, especially for those who have been discharged on the same day?

  6. What are the potential benefits and risks of same-day discharge after a pediatric appendectomy?

  7. How does same-day discharge after a pediatric appendectomy affect recovery time and return to normal activities for children?

  8. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions that should be followed after a pediatric appendectomy, especially for those who have been discharged on the same day?

  9. Can you provide more information on the factors that were considered in the study that showed the feasibility of same-day discharge after a pediatric appendectomy?

  10. Are there any additional resources or support services available for families of children who have undergone a pediatric appendectomy, especially those who have been discharged on the same day?

Reference

Authors: Cheng O, Cheng L, Burjonrappa S. Journal: J Surg Res. 2018 Sep;229:145-149. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.03.072. Epub 2018 Apr 25. PMID: 29936981