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Bavikatte A, Isswiasi S, Farag K. Unchanged Faces of Acute Appendicitis: Exploring Presentation and Treatment Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2024; 16:e60674. [PMID: 38770054 PMCID: PMC11104279 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of novel guidelines for managing appendicitis, prompting an evaluation of its effects on patient presentation and treatment at a district general hospital. Healthcare facilities worldwide have adapted protocols to meet the unique challenges of the pandemic, ensuring safe and efficient care. Our study assesses the pandemic's influence on patient demographics, clinical outcomes, surgical procedures, and adherence to guidelines among individuals undergoing emergency appendicitis surgery. Through this investigation, we aimed to determine whether significant deviations occurred in managing acute appendicitis amidst the pandemic. Methodology Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included in two cohorts for this retrospective analysis, comparing cases treated during the COVID-19 pandemic period (April to September 2020) with those treated one year prior. All patients underwent standardized assessments upon emergency department admission, including imaging studies and COVID-19 testing. Demographics, laboratory results, surgical details, and outcomes were compared between the pre- and post-pandemic groups, focusing on their overall management. Results The research involved a total of 172 individuals. During the pandemic (April to September 2020), 91 of these participants underwent surgery, which is more than the 81 individuals who had surgery during the same period the previous year (April to September 2019). Preoperative C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the pandemic group (P = 0.0455). The time from admission to surgery was shorter in the pandemic group (7.5 ± 4.6 vs. 5.8 ± 4.9; P = 0.0155). The overall operative and laparoscopic operative times were longer in the pandemic group (65 vs. 71 minutes, P = 0.391, and 55 vs. 62 minutes, P = 0.1424, respectively). However, these differences were not statistically significant. The number of patients presenting with complicated appendicitis was significantly higher in the pandemic group than in the nonpandemic group (44.4% vs. 61.4%; P = 0.034). The length of stay was shorter in the pandemic group (P = 0.53). Conclusions Our study suggests that surgery for acute appendicitis remains safe and feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic, with comparable outcomes. However, we noted an increase in the number of patients presenting with complicated appendicitis, possibly influenced by national pandemic guidelines in the United Kingdom. Despite this trend, our findings affirm the continued effectiveness of surgical management for acute appendicitis during the pandemic, highlighting the adaptability of healthcare systems in addressing emergent medical needs under challenging circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Bavikatte
- General and Colorectal Surgery, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust, Bury St. Edmunds, GBR
| | - Sanad Isswiasi
- General Surgery, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust, Bury St. Edmunds, GBR
| | - Kyrllos Farag
- General Surgery, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust, Bury St. Edmunds, GBR
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Louw J, McCaul M, English R, Nyasulu PS, Davies J, Fourie C, Jassat J, Chu KM. Factors Contributing to Delays to Accessing Appendectomy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. World J Surg 2023; 47:3060-3069. [PMID: 37747549 PMCID: PMC10694117 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendicitis is one of the most common emergency surgical conditions worldwide. Delays in accessing appendectomy can lead to complications. Evidence on these delays in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is lacking. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise the available evidence on delays to accessing appendectomy in LMICs. METHODS This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews framework. The delays and their interconnectivity in LMICs were synthesised and interpreted using the Three Delays framework. We reviewed Africa Wide EBSCOhost, PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Bioline databases. RESULTS Our search identified 21 893 studies, of which 78 were included in the final analysis. All of the studies were quantitative. Fifty per cent of the studies included all three types of delays. Delays in seeking care were influenced by a lack of awareness of appendicitis symptoms, and the use of self and alternative medication, which could be linked to delays in receiving care, and the barrier refusal of medical treatment due to fear. Financial concerns were a barrier observed throughout the care pathway. CONCLUSION This review highlighted the need for additional studies on delays to accessing appendectomy in additional LMICs. Our review demonstrates that in LMICs, persons seeking appendectomy present late to health-care facilities due to several patient-related factors. After reaching a health-care facility, accessing appendectomy can further be delayed owing to a lack of adequate hospital resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnelize Louw
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - M McCaul
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R English
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - P S Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J Davies
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Fourie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J Jassat
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K M Chu
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, University of Botswana, Plot 4775 Notwane Rd, Gaborone, Botswana
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Andersson RE, Agiorgiti M, Bendtsen M. Spontaneous Resolution of Uncomplicated Appendicitis may Explain Increase in Proportion of Complicated Appendicitis During Covid-19 Pandemic: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. World J Surg 2023; 47:1901-1916. [PMID: 37140609 PMCID: PMC10158710 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of an increased proportion of complicated appendicitis during the Covid-19 pandemic suggest a worse outcome due to delay secondary to the restrained access to health care, but may be explained by a concomitant decrease in uncomplicated appendicitis. We analyze the impact of the pandemic on the incidences of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. METHOD We did a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Embase and Web Of Science databases on December 21, 2022 with the search terms (appendicitis OR appendectomy) AND ("COVID" OR SARS-Cov2 OR "coronavirus"). Studies reporting the number of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis during identical calendar periods in 2020 and the pre-pandemic year(s) were included. Reports with indications suggesting a change in how the patients were diagnosed and managed between the two periods were excluded. No protocol was prepared in advance. We did random effects meta-analysis of the change in proportion of complicated appendicitis, expressed as the risk ratio (RR), and of the change in number of patients with complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic periods, expressed as the incidence ratio (IR). We did separate analyses for studies based on single- and multi-center and regional data, age-categories and prehospital delay. RESULTS The meta-analysis of 100,059 patients in 63 reports from 25 countries shows an increase in the proportion of complicated appendicitis during the pandemic period (RR 1.39, 95% confidence interval (95% CI 1.25, 1.53). This was mainly explained by a decreased incidence of uncomplicated appendicitis (incidence ratio (IR) 0.66, 95% CI 0.59, 0.73). No increase in complicated appendicitis was seen in multi-center and regional reports combined (IR 0.98, 95% CI 0.90, 1.07). CONCLUSION The increased proportion of complicated appendicitis during Covid-19 is explained by a decrease in the incidence of uncomplicated appendicitis, whereas the incidence of complicated appendicitis remained stable. This result is more evident in the multi-center and regional based reports. This suggests an increase in spontaneously resolving appendicitis due to the restrained access to health care. This has important principal implications for the management of patients with suspected appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland E Andersson
- Department of Surgery, County Hospital Ryhov, Box 1024, SE 551 11, Jönköping, Region Jönköpings Län, Sweden.
- Futurum, Academy for Health and Care, Jönköping, Region Jönköpings Län, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Maria Agiorgiti
- Bra Liv Eksjö Primary Care Centre, Eksjö, Region Jönköping County, Sweden
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marcus Bendtsen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Öztaş T, Bilici S, Dursun A. Has the frequency of complicated appendicitis changed in children in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic? ANNALS OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2023; 19:3. [PMID: 36644328 PMCID: PMC9831875 DOI: 10.1186/s43159-022-00235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic period suggests that the rate of complications may have increased in patients requiring surgical treatment due to the fact that they could not come to the hospital at the onset of the symptom. This study aims to evaluate the difference in the frequency of complicated appendicitis and postoperative complications in the COVID-19 pandemic.Patients included those who underwent appendectomy in 1 year before the COVID-19 pandemic and in the first year of the pandemic. The patients were categorized into two groups: pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Clinical and histopathology results were compared between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Results A total of 407 patients were included in the study, 207 of whom were included during the pre-pandemic and 200 of whom during the pandemic period. The mean time to hospital admission after the onset of symptoms was 1.3 ± 0.9 days, pre-pandemic, and 1.4 ± 0.8 days during the pandemic group. In the pre-pandemic group, 0.4% intrabdominal abscess developed and 37.5% complicated appendicitis was detected. In the pandemic group, it was found that there were 1% abscess, 0.5% wound infection, 0.5% brid ileus, and 31.9% complicated appendicitis. The pre-pandemic group length of hospitalization was 2.4 ± 0.8 days, and the pandemic was 2.1 ± 0.9 days There was no difference between pre-pandemic and pandemic groups in terms of age, gender, white blood cell count, duration of symptoms, postoperative complications and frequency of complicated appendicitis, and duration of hospitalization. Conclusions In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found that the rate of complicated appendicitis and postoperative complications were not different from pre-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tülin Öztaş
- grid.461868.50000 0004 0454 9842Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Health Sciences Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Salim Bilici
- grid.461868.50000 0004 0454 9842Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Health Sciences Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Dursun
- grid.461868.50000 0004 0454 9842Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Health Sciences Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey
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Achavanuntakul C, Mahawongkajit P, Orrapin S, Auksornchat K, Boonyasatid P, Waewsri N, Moriguchi A, Kanlerd A. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Severity, and Management of Acute Appendicitis: A Single Center Experience in Thailand. Emerg Med Int 2022; 2022:8324716. [PMID: 36467864 PMCID: PMC9715343 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8324716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE For more than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, human lives have changed, including the healthcare system. Management of acute appendicitis, the most common emergency surgical disease, has been inevitably affected. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incident rate of complicated appendicitis, management, outcome, and complication of acute appendicitis. Patients and Methods. This study was a retrospective cohort study comparing 574 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis before the COVID-19 outbreak and 434 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 outbreak. Patient demographic data, type of appendicitis, type of treatment, time to surgery, length of stay, cost, and complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis was reduced. CT scan usage for diagnosis was increased compared to pre-COVID-19. Most patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis received operative treatment in both groups. Median time to surgery was significantly longer during the COVID-19 pandemic, 11.93 hours compared to 9.62 hours pre-COVID-19, p-value <0.001 (relative risk 1.5, 95% CI 1.29-1.76, p value 0.041). The incidence of complicated appendicitis was not higher during COVID-19. Compared to pre-COVID-19, ICU admission rate, the use of a mechanical ventilator, length of stay, and cost increased in the univariate analysis but were not statistically significant in the multivariate analyses. Other treatment complications had no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION The incidence of complicated appendicitis did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The operation waiting time significantly increased but did not increase the rate of treatment complications in a well-prepared hospital system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chompoonut Achavanuntakul
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Prasit Mahawongkajit
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Saritphat Orrapin
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Karikarn Auksornchat
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Piyapong Boonyasatid
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Nichakarn Waewsri
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Alisa Moriguchi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Amonpon Kanlerd
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
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Cai X, Bi J, Zheng Z, Liu Y. Decision-making changes for patients and medical personnel in the management of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:170. [PMID: 36280806 PMCID: PMC9590391 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen. During the pandemic, to contain the spread of COVID-19, there were some integral changes in the medical processes based on the pandemic prevention policy, especially regarding emergency surgery. This study was conducted to investigate whether this pandemic also impacted the decision-making for both patients and medical personnel along with the treatment outcomes. METHODS Patients of age 18 years or older who were diagnosed clinically and radiologically with acute appendicitis between Jan 1, 2017, and Dec 31, 202,0 were reviewed. The data of 1991 cases were collected and used for this study. Two groups were formed, one group before and the other group after the outbreak. The gathered data included gender, age, appendiceal fecalith, outcomes of treatment, and long-term outcomes of non-operation (8 months follow-up). We also collected details of surgical cases from the above two groups. This data also included age, gender, appendiceal fecalith, fever, jaundice, length of onset before presenting to an emergency department (ED), anesthesia, surgery, white cell count, pathology, complications, and length of stay. We compared the above data respectively and analyzed the differences. RESULTS Compared to the period before the outbreak, patient visits for acute appendicitis remarkably dropped (19.8%), but surgical cases showed no change (dropped by roughly 5%). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in failure of non-operation(after the pandemic 8.31% vs. before pandemic 3.22%), interval appendectomy(after pandemic 6.29% vs. before pandemic 12.84%), recurrence(after pandemic 23.27% vs. before pandemic 14.46%), and outcomes of recurrence. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in anesthesia method, surgery way, and complications( before pandemic 4.15% vs. after pandemic9.89% P < 0.05) in patients who underwent the surgery. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) concerning age, gender, fever, jaundice, appendiceal fecalith, white cell count, and length of onset before presenting to the ED. CONCLUSION The current pandemic prevention policy is very effective, but some decision-making processes of doctor-patient have changed in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, that further influenced some treatment outcomes and might lead to a potential economic burden. It is essential to address the undue concern of everyone and optimize the treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cai
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, 100035 Beijing, China
| | - Jingtao Bi
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, 100035 Beijing, China
| | - Zhixue Zheng
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, 100035 Beijing, China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, 100035 Beijing, China
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Mogharab V, Ostovar M, Ruszkowski J, Hussain SZM, Shrestha R, Yaqoob U, Aryanpoor P, Nikkhoo AM, Heidari P, Jahromi AR, Rayatdoost E, Ali A, Javdani F, Farzaneh R, Ghanaatpisheh A, Habibzadeh SR, Foroughian M, Ahmadi SR, Akhavan R, Abbasi B, Shahi B, Hakemi A, Bolvardi E, Bagherian F, Motamed M, Boroujeni ST, Jamalnia S, Mangouri A, Paydar M, Mehrasa N, Shirali D, Sanmarchi F, Saeed A, Jafari NA, Babou A, Kalani N, Hatami N. Global burden of the COVID-19 associated patient-related delay in emergency healthcare: a panel of systematic review and meta-analyses. Global Health 2022; 18:58. [PMID: 35676714 PMCID: PMC9175527 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Apart from infecting a large number of people around the world and causing the death of many people, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have changed the healthcare processes of other diseases by changing the allocation of health resources and changing people’s access or intention to healthcare systems. Objective To compare the incidence of endpoints marking delayed healthcare seeking in medical emergencies, before and during the pandemic. Methods Based on a PICO model, medical emergency conditions that need timely intervention was selected to be evaluated as separate panels. In a systematic literature review, PubMed was quarried for each panel for studies comparing the incidence of various medical emergencies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Markers of failure/disruption of treatment due to delayed referral were included in the meta-analysis for each panel. Result There was a statistically significant increased pooled median time of symptom onset to admission of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients; an increased rate of vasospasm of aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage; and perforation rate in acute appendicitis; diabetic ketoacidosis presentation rate among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients; and rate of orchiectomy among testicular torsion patients in comparison of pre-COVID-19 with COVID-19 cohorts; while there were no significant changes in the event rate of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and median time of symptom onset to admission in the cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients. Conclusions COVID-19 has largely disrupted the referral of patients for emergency medical care and patient-related delayed care should be addressed as a major health threat. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12992-022-00836-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Mogharab
- Department of Pediatrics, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mahshid Ostovar
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Jakub Ruszkowski
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Rajeev Shrestha
- Palliative Care and Chronic Disease Unit, Green Pasteur Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Uzair Yaqoob
- Postgraduate trainee, Surgical Department, Hamdard University Hospital Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Poorya Aryanpoor
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Amir Mohammad Nikkhoo
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Parasta Heidari
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Athar Rasekh Jahromi
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Rayatdoost
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Anwar Ali
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Farshid Javdani
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Roohie Farzaneh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Aref Ghanaatpisheh
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Habibzadeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Foroughian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sayyed Reza Ahmadi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Akhavan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bita Abbasi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Behzad Shahi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Arman Hakemi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ehsan Bolvardi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farhad Bagherian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahsa Motamed
- Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sheida Jamalnia
- Medical Journalism Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Mangouri
- Fellowship of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of General Surgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Paydar
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Neda Mehrasa
- Shiraz Azad University, Dental Branch, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ayesha Saeed
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Narges Azari Jafari
- Neuroscience Research Department Center, Kashan University of Medical Science, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ali Babou
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Navid Kalani
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
| | - Naser Hatami
- Research Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
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Grossi U, Gallo G, Ortenzi M, Piccino M, Salimian N, Guerrieri M, Sammarco G, Felice C, Santoro GA, Di Saverio S, Di Tanna GL, Zanus G. Changes in hospital admissions and complications of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. HEALTH SCIENCES REVIEW (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2022; 3:100021. [PMID: 35287332 PMCID: PMC8906891 DOI: 10.1016/j.hsr.2022.100021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common emergencies in general surgery worldwide. During the pandemic, a significant decrease in the number of accesses to the emergency department for AA has been recorded in different countries. A systematic review of the current literature sought to determine the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on hospital admissions and complications of AA. Method A systematic search was undertaken to identify repeated cross-sectional studies reporting the management of AA during the COVID-19 pandemic (index period) as compared to the previous year, or at the turn of lockdown (reference period). Data were abstracted on article (country of origin) and patients characteristics (adults, children [i.e. non adults, <18-year-old]), or mixed population) within the two given timeframes, including demographics, number of admissions for AA, number of appendectomies, and complicated appendectomies. Results Of 201 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 54 studies from 22 world countries were included. In total, 27 (50%) were conducted on adults, 12 (22%) on children, and 15 (28%) on a mixed patients population. The overall rate ratio of admissions for AA between the two periods was 0.94 (95%CI, 0.75-1.17), with significant differences between studies on adults (0.90 [0.74-1.09]), mixed population (0.50 [0.27-0.90]), and children (1.50 [1.01-2.22]). The overall risk ratio of complicated AA was 1.65 (1.32-2.07), ranging from 1.32 in studies on children, to 2.45 in mixed population. Conclusion The pandemic has altered the rate of admissions for AA and appendectomy, with parallel increased incidence of complicated cases in all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Grossi
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy,Corresponding author at: National Bowel Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Gallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Monica Ortenzi
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Piccino
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Nick Salimian
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Guerrieri
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sammarco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carla Felice
- I Medicine Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DIMED, University of Padua, Italy
| | | | - Salomone Di Saverio
- Department of General Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Giacomo Zanus
- II Surgery Unit, Treviso Regional Hospital, DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
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9
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Chang YJ, Chen LJ, Chang YJ. Did the severity of appendicitis increase during the COVID-19 pandemic? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263814. [PMID: 35143582 PMCID: PMC8830628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the severity of appendicitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as patients with appendicitis may procrastinate seeking medical attention during the pandemic. METHODS Information on patients with appendicitis who were treated at the Taipei City Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020) was retrieved. Patients who were diagnosed with appendicitis and treated at the same hospital from January 1, 2019 to July 1, 2019 were designated as the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess changes in the severity of appendicitis (at a 2-week interval) between the two groups. RESULTS We identified 307 (study group: 149; control group: 158) consecutive patients with appendicitis. The mean age was 46.2 +- 19.8 years. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in age, sex, comorbidity, surgery type (laparoscopic or open appendectomy) or surgery time. The number of patients in the study group decreased between January 29, 2020 and April 21, 2020, which paralleled the period of spikes in the confirmed COVID-19 cases and restricted daily activities. The percentage of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis (excluding mild appendicitis or normal appendix) in the study group increased between February 26 and March 10, as well as between April 8 and April 21. In the multivariate regression analysis, the odds of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis increased in three bi-weeks for the study group but not in the control group. CONCLUSION The severity of acute appendicitis might increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, because patients with mild appendicitis (or abdominal pain) may hesitate to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Jen Chang
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ju Chen
- University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, HepingFuyou Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Jau Chang
- Department of General Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhong-Xing Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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10
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Lisi G, Campanelli M, Mastrangeli MR, Spoletini D, Menditto R, Grande S, Boccuzzi M, Grande M. The treatment of acute appendicitis in two age-based groups during COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective experience in a COVID-19 referral hospital. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:323-328. [PMID: 34738164 PMCID: PMC8567973 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-021-04060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the past months, the Italian Government has reduced the restrictions and access to hospitals as well as outpatient. Since then, up to 40% of non-traumatic abdominal emergencies have had unusual delayed treatment. Given the rapidly evolving situation and the absence of evidence to support recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is useful to assess how the current situation is influencing the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS Between February 2020 and December 2020, all patients 18 years or older undergone appendectomy were included. Patients were divided in two age-based groups (young groups, YG; elderly group, EG). Surgical approach, hospital stay, post-operative complications, radiology reports, and histologic examination were included in the retrospective analysis. RESULTS One hundred eight patients underwent appendectomy, 81 patients into the YG, and 27 in the EG. Laparoscopy was performed in 87.7% of the YG and in 51.8% of the elderly (p < 0.000), while conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 3.7% in the YG vs 22.3% of the other group (p < 0.009). Open procedures were more frequent in the EG, 25.9% vs 8.6% (p value < 0.05). No mortality rate was reported in both groups; moreover, the mean hospital stay was greater in the EG than the YG (p < 0.000). CONCLUSION Our data highlighted a partial delay in diagnosis in the elderly group, and an increase in complicated appendicitis also demonstrated by the need for conversion to laparotomy despite no significant relationship between these findings and the histologic examination was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Lisi
- Department of Surgery, Sant'Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo 10, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Michela Campanelli
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Spoletini
- Department of Surgery, Sant'Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo 10, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Menditto
- Department of Surgery, Sant'Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo 10, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Grande
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Boccuzzi
- Department of Surgery, San Sebastiano Hospital, via Tuscolana 1, 00046, Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Grande
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
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11
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Vansevičienė I, Bučinskaitė D, Malcius D, Lukošiūtė-Urbonienė A, Beržanskis M, Čekanauskas E, Barauskas V. Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Prolong the Time Till Diagnosis and Worsen Outcomes for Children with Acute Appendicitis? Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 57:medicina57111234. [PMID: 34833452 PMCID: PMC8623899 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Our aim was to see if the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase of time until diagnosis, operation, and time spent in Emergency room (ER), and if it resulted in more cases of complicated appendicitis and complication rates in children. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Department with acute appendicitis during a 4-month period of the first COVID-19 pandemic and compared it to the previous year data—the same 4-month period in 2019. Results: During the pandemic, the time spent in the ER until arriving at the department increased significantly 2.85 vs. 0.98 h p < 0.001, and the time spent in the department until the operation 5.31 vs. 2.66 h, p = 0.03. However, the time from the beginning of symptoms till ER, operation time and the length of stay at the hospital, as well as the overall time until operation did not differ and did not result in an increase of complicated appendicitis cases or postoperative complications. Conclusions: The COVID-19-implemented quarantine led to an increase of the time from the emergency room to the operating room by 4 h. This delay did not result in a higher rate of complicated appendicitis and complication rates, allowing for surgery to be postponed to daytime hours if needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idilė Vansevičienė
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-6260-4046
| | - Danielė Bučinskaitė
- Department of Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Dalius Malcius
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Aušra Lukošiūtė-Urbonienė
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Mindaugas Beržanskis
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Emilis Čekanauskas
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
| | - Vidmantas Barauskas
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Str. 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.M.); (A.L.-U.); (M.B.); (E.Č.); (V.B.)
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12
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Köhler F, Müller S, Hendricks A, Kastner C, Reese L, Boerner K, Flemming S, Lock JF, Germer CT, Wiegering A. Changes in appendicitis treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2021; 95:106148. [PMID: 34700020 PMCID: PMC8539829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 a decrease of emergency consultations and modification in treatment of numerous medical conditions were observed. Aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence, treatment strategies, severity, length of hospital stay and time of presentation in adults and children with acute appendicitis. METHODS A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed, and eligible studies used to perform a meta-analysis. RESULTS 46 suitable studies were identified with an overall reduction of appendicitis cases by 20.9% in adults and an increase of 13.4% in children. The rate of open appendectomies increased without statistical significance in both groups (adults: 8.5% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.32; children: 7.1% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.13), whereas the rate of antibiotic treatment increased significantly (P = 0.007; P = 0.03). Higher rates of complicated appendicitis were observed in adults (adults: OR 2.00, P < 0.0001; children: OR 1.64, P = 0.12). Time to first consultation did not change significantly (adults: 52.3 vs. 38.5 h - P = 0.057; children: 51.5 vs. 32.0 h - P = 0.062) and length of stay was also not lengthened during the pandemic (adults: 2.9 vs. 2.7 days, P = 0.057; children: 4.2 vs. 3.7 days, P = 0.062). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 had major impact on incidence and treatment strategies of acute appendicitis. Results of this meta-analysis might be another hint to support the theory that appendicitis is not a progressive disease and surgeons can safely consider antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Köhler
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Müller
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Hendricks
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Kastner
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lena Reese
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Boerner
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Flemming
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johan F. Lock
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph-Thomas Germer
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Wuerzburg Medical Centre, Josef-Schneiderstr. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Wuerzburg Medical Centre, Josef-Schneiderstr. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany,Corresponding author. partment of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery University Hospital Wuerzburg Oberduerrbacherstr. 6 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
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13
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Lisi G, Campanelli M, Mastrangeli MR, Grande S, Viarengo MA, Garbarino GM, Vanni G, Grande M. Acute appendicitis in elderly during Covid-19 pandemic. Int J Colorectal Dis 2021; 36:2287-2290. [PMID: 34046696 PMCID: PMC8159028 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-021-03959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the past months, the Italian Government has reduced the restrictions and access to hospitals. Since then, up to 40% of non-traumatic abdominal emergencies have had unusual delayed treatment. Given the rapidly evolving situation and the absence of evidence to support recommendations during the pandemic, it is useful to assess how the current situation is influencing the management of elderly with acute appendicitis. METHODS Between February 2020 and December 2020, all patients older than 68 years old undergone appendectomy were included. Surgical approach, hospital stay, post-operative complications, radiology reports, and histologic examination were included in the retrospective analysis and compared with a same sample of the same period before the pandemic. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis during the pandemic and 34 patients in the pre-outbreak period. Laparoscopic approach was completed in 51.8% of the cases, while conversion to laparotomy in 22.3% of patients and open procedure in the 25.9%, before the pandemic 73.6%, 14.7%, and 11.7%, respectively. During the pandemic, complicated appendicitis occurred in 59.3% of the cases (26.5% before the outbreak). One patient was treated for a pelvic abscess, while no minor complications were detected. No mortality rate was reported, with a mean hospital stay of 5.64 days during the outbreak and 4.21 days before the pandemic. CONCLUSION Our data highlighted a partial delay in diagnosis in the elderly group, and an increase in complicated appendicitis also demonstrated by the need for conversion to laparotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lisi
- Department of Surgery, Sant'Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo 10, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Campanelli
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Mastrangeli
- Department of Surgery, Sant'Eugenio Hospital, Piazzale dell'Umanesimo 10, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - S Grande
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - M A Viarengo
- Day-Case Surgery Unit, Israelitic Hospital, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - G M Garbarino
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant'Andrea University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-39, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - G Vanni
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - M Grande
- Emergency Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
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14
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The effect of the Covid-19 outbreak on the management of acute appendicitis: A retrospective comparative cohort study. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.960850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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15
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McClelland PH, Cheng O, Hu J, Hunter JG, Winkler AC, Lee R, Zenilman ME. Operative Shutdown and Recovery: Restructuring Surgical Operations During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. J Surg Res 2021; 268:181-189. [PMID: 34333415 PMCID: PMC8206585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background During the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in New York City, hospitals canceled elective surgeries to increase capacity for critically ill patients. We present case volume data from our community hospital to demonstrate how this shutdown affected surgical care. Methods Between March 16 and June 14, 2020, all elective surgeries were canceled at our institution. All procedures performed during this operating room shutdown (ORS) were logged, as well as those 4 weeks before (PRE) and 4 weeks after (POST) for comparison. Results A total of 2,475 cases were included in our analysis, with 754 occurring during shutdown. Overall case numbers dropped significantly during ORS and increased during recovery (mean 245.0 ± 28.4 PRE versus 58.0 ± 30.9 ORS versus 186.0±19.4 POST cases/wk, P< 0.001). Emergency cases predominated during ORS (26.4% PRE versus 59.3% ORS versus 31.5% POST, P< 0.001) despite decreasing in frequency (mean 64.5 ± 7.9 PRE versus 34.4 ± 12.1 ORS versus 58.5 ± 4.0 POST cases/wk, P< 0.001). Open surgeries remained constant in all three phases (52.2-54.1%), whereas laparoscopic and robotic surgeries decreased (-3.4% and -3.0%, P< 0.001). General and/or vascular surgery, urology, and neurosurgery comprised a greater proportion of caseload (+9.5%, +3.0%, +2.8%), whereas orthopedics, gynecology, and otolaryngology/plastic surgery all decreased proportionally (-5.0%, -4.4%, -5.9%, P< 0.001). Conclusion Operative volume significantly decreased during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Emergency cases predominated during this time, although there were fewer emergency cases overall. General/vascular surgery became the most active service and open surgeries became more common. This reallocation of resources may be useful for future crisis planning among community hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H McClelland
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York.
| | - Olivia Cheng
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
| | - James Hu
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
| | - John G Hunter
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Alfred C Winkler
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Roseanna Lee
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Michael E Zenilman
- Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
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Rate of Application and Outcome of Non-operative Management of Acute Appendicitis in the Setting of COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 25:1905-1915. [PMID: 33772399 PMCID: PMC7997536 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-021-04988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-operative management (NOM) of acute appendicitis has been assessed in several studies before COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review aimed to assess the extent of adoption, efficacy, and safety of NOM of acute appendicitis in the setting of COVID-19. METHODS This was a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of the literature. Electronic databases and Google Scholar were queried for studies that applied NOM of acute appendicitis during COVID-19. The main outcome measures were the rates of NOM application during the pandemic as compared to the pre-pandemic period, failure and complication rates of NOM. Failure was defined as the need for appendectomy during NOM and complications included development of appendicular mass or abscess. RESULTS Fourteen studies (2140 patients) were included. The male to female ratio was 1.44:1 and median age was 34. Nine hundred fifty-nine (44.8%) patients had a trial of NOM. The weighted mean rate of NOM application was 50.1% (95%CI: 29.8-70.5%). The application of NOM during the pandemic was significantly more likely than its application before COVID-19 (OR = 6.7, p < 0.001). The weight mean failure rate of NOM was 16.4% (95%CI: 9.4-23.4). NOM failure was more likely in children and patients with complicated appendicitis. The weighted mean complication rate after NOM was 4.5% (95%CI: 1.4-7.7). NOM had significantly lower odds for complications than appendectomy (OR = 0.36, p = 0.03). There was no mortality after application of NOM. CONCLUSION NOM of acute appendicitis in the setting of COVID-19 may be a safe, short-term alternative to surgery with acceptably low failure and complication rates.
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