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Schrempf M, Kirmair MA, Mair A, Hoffmann M, Dannecker C, Anthuber M, Anthuber L. Incidence and clinical features of endometriosis in 2484 consecutive female patients undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis-a retrospective analysis. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2024; 409:144. [PMID: 38684518 PMCID: PMC11059005 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03328-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a common condition affecting 5 to 10% of women of childbearing age. The true incidence of endometriosis of the appendix is currently unknown. Since symptoms often overlap with those of acute appendicitis, endometriosis of the appendix presents a diagnostic challenge in the emergency department. This large retrospective study investigates the incidence and perioperative clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings, as well as possible differences between patients with and without endometriosis. METHODS Data from consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis without a history of endometriosis were analyzed. Perioperative clinical, laboratory, perioperative, and histopathologic findings were compared between women with and without endometriosis. RESULTS Between January 2008 and June 2023, 2484 consecutive patients without a history of endometriosis underwent urgent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis. Endometriosis was detected on histopathologic examination in 17 (0.7%) patients. Signs of appendicitis were found less frequently on ultrasound in the endometriosis group compared to the non-endometriosis group (23.4% vs. 61.5%; p = 0.002; OR = 0.193; 95% CI 0.063-0.593). There were no differences in physical examination findings, duration of symptoms, degree of inflammation, surgical outcomes, or complication rates. CONCLUSION The incidence of endometriosis of the appendix in patients undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis was higher than suggested by data from autopsy series and populations with biopsy-proven endometriosis. Patients with endometriosis of the appendix were less likely to have a positive ultrasound finding, but perioperative and histopathologic findings and severity of inflammation did not differ from patients without endometriosis, presenting diagnostic challenges for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schrempf
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - M-A Kirmair
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - A Mair
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - M Hoffmann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - C Dannecker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Augsburg, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - M Anthuber
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - L Anthuber
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
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Johnston DB, Coleman HG, Colvin D, Lawther S, Loughrey MB. Impact of COVID-19 on acute appendicitis presentation, management and pathology findings in adult and paediatric populations. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300357. [PMID: 38630774 PMCID: PMC11023581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trends of presentation, management and pathology findings in patients who underwent an appendicectomy for suspected acute appendicitis. METHOD The retrospective study reviewed patients (n = 939 adults and n = 329 children) who had an appendicectomy performed for suspected acute appendicitis and histopathology assessment in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland. Pre-COVID-19 (March 2019 to February 2020) and COVID-19 Year 1 (March 2020 to February 2021) data were compared. Chi-squared tests were applied to compare timeframes. RESULTS 513 adult appendicectomies were performed in the immediate year pre-COVID-19, compared to 426 in COVID-19 Year 1, representing a 17% reduction. No such reduction was seen within the paediatric population, likely related to a change in regional paediatric referral criteria during the pandemic. When comparing COVID-19 Year 1 with pre-pandemic, fewer patients presented with <24 hours of symptoms (45% v 53%, p = 0.005), and there was greater use of pre-operative computed tomography imaging in adults (63.2% v 48.7%, p<0.001). Fewer adult and paediatric cases of simple acute appendicitis and non-diagnostic specimens, with relative increased proportions of perforated acute appendicitis, were observed in COVID-19 Year 1 compared with pre-pandemic. No absolute increase in perforated acute appendicitis cases was observed in adults. CONCLUSION Year 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with delayed presentation of acute appendicitis in adults and children. In adults, an overall reduction in appendicectomy operations, increased use of pre-operative diagnostic imaging, and fewer specimens showing simple acute appendicitis or non-diagnostic features, collectively support appropriate restriction of surgery for those patients with a more certain acute appendicitis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy B. Johnston
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Helen G. Coleman
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Colvin
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Lawther
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Maurice B. Loughrey
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Layrisse Landaeta V, Dincheva GR, Hong JS, Kim A, Verzani Z, Yuan V, Zhang C, Chao SY. Acute Appendicitis in the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A New York City Single-Center Experience. Am Surg 2024; 90:780-787. [PMID: 37915247 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231204909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendectomy is the gold standard for simple appendicitis. During the coronavirus-19 pandemic, it was estimated that appendectomies in the United States decreased by 24%. We aimed to describe trends in acute appendicitis management at a center located in one of the largest epicenters of the pandemic. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study in a single institution located in Queens, New York, of patients who presented with acute appendicitis. A pre-COVID time period, March-June 2019, was compared to peak-COVID, March-June 2020, and late-COVID, March-June 2021. RESULTS Of the 382 patients admitted with appendicitis during the time periods, 164 were admitted pre-COVID. Appendicitis presentations decreased by 44% during peak-COVID and 23% in late-COVID. Patients were younger during peak-COVID compared to pre-COVID (39 vs 34 years old, P = .036). Incidence of complicated appendicitis in pre-, peak-, and late-COVID was equivalent (41% vs 46% vs 45%) and operative management was similar (85% vs 76% vs 79%). Non-operative patients had shorter lengths of stay (pre- vs peak-COVID: 4.6 vs 2.9 days, P = .006). Readmission rates were similar between the cohorts across time periods. CONCLUSIONS During peak-COVID, there was a significant decrease in presentation of acute appendicitis but clinical presentation and outcomes remained similar between the cohorts. Patients who were managed non-operatively may be discharged earlier without increased rates of readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie S Hong
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Queens, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Angelina Kim
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Queens, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Zoe Verzani
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Yuan
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Queens, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Charles Zhang
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Queens, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Steven Y Chao
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Queens, Queens, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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4
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V Carvalho AS, Broekema B, Brito Fernandes Ó, Klazinga N, Kringos D. Acute care pathway assessed through performance indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic in OECD countries (2020-2021): a scoping review. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:19. [PMID: 38273229 PMCID: PMC10811879 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted care for non-COVID patients. Performance indicators to monitor acute care, timely reported and internationally accepted, lacked during the pandemic in OECD countries. This study aims to summarize the performance indicators available in the literature to monitor changes in the quality of acute care in OECD countries during the first year and a half of the pandemic (2020-July 2021) and to assess their trends. METHODS Scoping review. Search in Embase and MEDLINE (07-07-2022). Acute care performance indicators and indicators related to acute general surgery were collected and collated following a care pathway approach. Indicators assessing identical clinical measures were grouped under a common indicator title. The trends from each group of indicators were collated (increase/decrease/stable). RESULTS A total of 152 studies were included. 2354 indicators regarding general acute care and 301 indicators related to acute general surgery were included. Indicators focusing on pre-hospital services reported a decreasing trend in the volume of patients: from 225 indicators, 110 (49%) reported a decrease. An increasing trend in pre-hospital treatment times was reported by most of the indicators (n = 41;70%) and a decreasing trend in survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 61;75%). Concerning care provided in the emergency department, most of the indicators (n = 752;71%) showed a decreasing trend in admissions across all levels of urgency. Concerning the mortality rate after admission, most of the indicators (n = 23;53%) reported an increasing trend. The subset of indicators assessing acute general surgery showed a decreasing trend in the volume of patients (n = 50;49%), stability in clinical severity at admission (n = 36;53%), and in the volume of surgeries (n = 14;47%). Most of the indicators (n = 28;65%) reported no change in treatment approach and stable mortality rate (n = 11,69%). CONCLUSION This review signals relevant disruptions across the acute care pathway. A subset of general surgery performance indicators showed stability in most of the phases of the care pathway. These results highlight the relevance of assessing this care pathway more regularly and systematically across different clinical entities to monitor disruptions and to improve the resilience of emergency services during a crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia V Carvalho
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Bente Broekema
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Dijklander Hospital, Location Hoorn, Maelsonstraat 3, Hoorn, 1624 NP, The Netherlands
| | - Óscar Brito Fernandes
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Niek Klazinga
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dionne Kringos
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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5
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Gil C, Beyer-Bergeot L, Sabbagh C, Zerbib P, Bridoux V, Manceau G, Panis Y, Buscail E, Venara A, Khaoudy I, Gaillard M, Viennet M, Thobie A, Menahem B, Eveno C, Bonnel C, Mabrut JY, Badic B, Godet C, Eid Y, Duchalais E, Lakkis Z, Cotte E, Laforest A, Defourneaux V, Maggiori L, Rebibo L, Christou N, Talal A, Mege D, Bonnamy C, Germain A, Mauvais F, Tresallet C, Roudie J, Laurent A, Trilling B, Bertrand M, Massalou D, Romain B, Tranchart H, Giger U, Alves A, Ouaissi M. Impact of the first wave of COVID-19 epidemy on the surgical management of sigmoid diverticular disease in France: National French retrospective study. Int J Colorectal Dis 2023; 38:276. [PMID: 38040936 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04564-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the surgical management of sigmoid diverticular disease (SDD) before, during, and after the first containment rules (CR) for the first wave of COVID-19. METHODS From the French Surgical Association multicenter series, this study included all patients operated on between January 2018 and September 2021. Three groups were compared: A (before CR period: 01/01/18-03/16/20), B (CR period: 03/17/20-05/03/20), and C (post CR period: 05/04/20-09/30/21). RESULTS A total of 1965 patients (A n = 1517, B n = 52, C n = 396) were included. The A group had significantly more previous SDD compared to the two other groups (p = 0.007), especially complicated (p = 0.0004). The rate of peritonitis was significantly higher in the B (46.1%) and C (38.4%) groups compared to the A group (31.7%) (p = 0.034 and p = 0.014). As regards surgical treatment, Hartmann's procedure was more often performed in the B group (44.2%, vs A 25.5% and C 26.8%, p = 0.01). Mortality at 90 days was significantly higher in the B group (9.6%, vs A 4% and C 6.3%, p = 0.034). This difference was also significant between the A and B groups (p = 0.048), as well as between the A and C groups (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION This study shows that the management of SDD was impacted by COVID-19 at CR, but also after and until September 2021, both on the initial clinical presentation and on postoperative mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Gil
- Department of Digestive, Oncological, Endocrine, Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant, Trousseau Hospital, University Hospital of Tours, Avenue de la République, F37044 Tours, France
| | - Laura Beyer-Bergeot
- Department of Digestive Surgery Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, North University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Charles Sabbagh
- Department of Surgery Department, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Philippe Zerbib
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Transplantation, Huriez Hospital, Universite Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Bridoux
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Hospital of Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Gilles Manceau
- Department of digestive Surgery, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Georges Pompidou University Hospital, univeristy Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yves Panis
- Colorectal Surgery Center, Groupe Hospitalier Privé Ambroise Paré-Hartmann, Neuilly/Seine, France
| | - Etienne Buscail
- Department of Surgery, CHU Toulouse-Rangueil and Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - Aurélien Venara
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Iman Khaoudy
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Le Havre Hospital, Le Havre, France
| | - Martin Gaillard
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Manon Viennet
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Bocage, Dijon, France
| | - Alexandre Thobie
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Avranches-Granville Hospital, Avranches, France
| | - Benjamin Menahem
- Unité INSERM UMR 1086 ANTICIPE Registre spécialisé des Tumeurs Digestives du calvados-Service de chirurgie digestive, Université de Caen Normandie 14000, Caen, France
| | - Clarisse Eveno
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Hospital of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Catherine Bonnel
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Nord-Essonne Hospital, Longjumeau, France
| | - Jean-Yves Mabrut
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Transplantation, Croix Rousse University Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Bodgan Badic
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Camille Godet
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Memorial Hospital of Saint-Lô, Saint-Lô, France
| | - Yassine Eid
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Polyclinique de Lisieux, Lisieux, France
| | - Emilie Duchalais
- Department of Oncological, Digestive and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Zaher Lakkis
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology and Liver Transplantation, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Eddy Cotte
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Lyon, France
| | - Anais Laforest
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Montsouris Institut, Paris, France
| | | | - Léon Maggiori
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Université Paris VII, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Rebibo
- Department of Digestive, Oesogastric and Bariatric Surgery, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Niki Christou
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Limoges Hospital, Limoges, France
| | - Ali Talal
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Argentan Hospital, Argentan, France
| | - Diane Mege
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Cécile Bonnamy
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Bayeux Hospital, Bayeux, France
| | | | - François Mauvais
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Beauvais Hospital, Beauvais, France
| | - Christophe Tresallet
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Avicenne University Hospital, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Paris, France
| | - Jean Roudie
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Martinique Hospital, Fort-de-France, France
| | - Alexis Laurent
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Créteil Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Bertrand Trilling
- Department of Digestive and Emergency Surgery, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Martin Bertrand
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Universitary Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Damien Massalou
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hôpital L'Archet, Nice University, Nice, France
| | - Benoit Romain
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hadrien Tranchart
- Department of Minimally Invasive Digestive Surgery, Antoine Beclere Hospital, AP-HP, Clamart, France
| | - Urs Giger
- Fliedner Fachhochschule, University of Applied Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arnaud Alves
- Unité INSERM UMR 1086 ANTICIPE Registre spécialisé des Tumeurs Digestives du calvados-Service de chirurgie digestive, Université de Caen Normandie 14000, Caen, France
| | - Mehdi Ouaissi
- Department of Digestive, Oncological, Endocrine, Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant, Trousseau Hospital, University Hospital of Tours, Avenue de la République, F37044 Tours, France.
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Uttinger KL, Brunotte M, Diers J, Lock JF, Jansen-Winkeln B, Seehofer D, Germer CT, Wiegering A. Diverticulitis patient care during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany-a retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:447. [PMID: 38001302 PMCID: PMC10673984 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03184-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted health care systems around the world. Despite a decrease in emergency admissions, an increased number of complicated forms of diverticulitis was reported. It was the aim of this study to analyze the pandemic impact on diverticulitis management in Germany. METHODS This is a retrospective population-wide analysis of hospital billing data (2012-2021) of diverticulitis in Germany. Patients were identified based on diagnosis (ICD10) and procedural codes to stratify by conservative and operative management. Primary outcome of interest was admission rates, secondary outcomes were rates of surgical vs conservative treatment and fraction of complicated clinical courses during the pandemic. RESULTS Of a total of 991,579 cases, 66,424 (6.7%) were admitted during pandemic lockdowns. Conservative treatment was the most common overall (66.9%) and higher during lockdowns (70.7%). Overall admissions and population adjusted rates of surgically treated patients decreased, the latter by 12.7% and 11.3%, corrected to estimated rates, in the two lockdowns. Surgery after emergency presentation decreased by 7.1% (p=0.053) and 11.1% (p=0.002) in the two lockdowns with a higher rate of ostomy and/or revision (+5.6%, p=0.219, and +10.2%, p=0.030). In-hospital mortality was increased in lockdown periods (1.64% vs 1.49%). In detail, mortality was identical in case of conservative treatment during lockdown periods (0.5%) but was higher in surgically treated patients (4.4% vs 3.6%). CONCLUSION During lockdowns, there was an overall decrease of admissions for diverticulitis, especially non-emergency admissions in Germany, and treatment was more likely to be conservative. In case of surgery, however, there was increased risk of a complicated course (ostomy, re-surgery), possibly due to patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin L Uttinger
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Brunotte
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Diers
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johan Friso Lock
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Boris Jansen-Winkeln
- Department of General, Visceral and Oncological Surgery, St. Georg Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Seehofer
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph-Thomas Germer
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Pantalos G, Papachristidou S, Mavrigiannaki E, Zavras N, Vaos G. Reasons for Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Acute Appendicitis during the COVID-19 Era: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2571. [PMID: 37568934 PMCID: PMC10417690 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Global pandemics cause health system disruptions. The inadvertent disruption in surgical emergency care during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the topic of several published studies. Our aim was to summarize the reasons that led to the delayed diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis during the COVID-19 era. This systematic literature search evaluated studies containing pediatric appendicitis patient data regarding outcomes, times to hospital admission or times from symptom onset to emergency department visit. Studies elucidating reasons for delays in the management of pediatric appendicitis were also reviewed. Ultimately, 42 studies were included. Several reasons for delayed diagnosis are analyzed such as changes to public health measures, fear of exposure to COVID-19, increased use of telemedicine, COVID-19 infection with concurrent acute appendicitis, recurrence of appendicitis after non-operative management and increased time to intraoperative diagnosis. Time to hospital admission in conjunction with patient outcomes was extracted and analyzed as an indicative measure of delayed management. Delayed diagnosis of acute appendicitis has been documented in many studies with various effects on outcomes. Suspicion of pediatric acute appendicitis must always lead to prompt medical examination, regardless of pandemic status. Telemedicine can be valuable if properly applied. Data from this era can guide future health system policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pantalos
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Penteli General Children’s Hospital, 15236 Athens, Greece
| | - Smaragda Papachristidou
- Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, P. & A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleftheria Mavrigiannaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Attikon” General University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.M.); (G.V.)
| | - Nikolaos Zavras
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Attikon” General University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.M.); (G.V.)
| | - George Vaos
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Attikon” General University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.M.); (G.V.)
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8
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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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9
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Nguyen HV, Tran LH, Ly TH, Pham QT, Pham VQ, Tran HN, Trinh LT, Dinh TT, Pham DT, Mai Phan TA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Severity and Early Postoperative Outcomes of Acute Appendicitis. Cureus 2023; 15:e42923. [PMID: 37546691 PMCID: PMC10400342 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42923] [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: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused changes in surgical practice. For acute appendicitis (AA), measures to control the pandemic might hinder patients from seeking medical care timely, resulting in increasing severity, postoperative complications, and mortality. This study aimed to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the severity and postoperative outcomes of patients with AA. Methodology We retrospectively reviewed medical records of AA patients treated operatively at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital hospital from June 1st to September 30th in three consecutive years: pre-pandemic (2019)/Group 1, minor waves (2020)/Group 2, and major wave (2021)/Group 3 (2021). Data were collected focusing on the duration of symptoms, severity of AA, time from admission to operation, postoperative complications, and mortality. Results There were 1,055 patients, including 452 patients in Group 1, 409 in Group 2, and 194 in Group 3. The overall number of patients decreased mainly in non-complicated AA. The percentages of hospital admission after 24 hours gradually increased (20.8%, 27.9%, and 43.8%, p < 0.05). The percentages of complicated AA in Group 2 and Group 3 were statistically higher than in Group 1 (39% and 55% vs. 31%, p < 0.05). Waiting time for operation increased to five hours during the major wave. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 98-99% of AA patients during the pandemic, with an early postoperative complication rate of 5-9% and a mortality rate of 0.2-1%. Conclusions Although the percentages of hospital admission after 24 hours and complicated AA increased, laparoscopic appendectomy was still feasible and effective and should be maintained as the standard management for AA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai V Nguyen
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Loc H Tran
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Tuan H Ly
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Quang T Pham
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, VNM
| | - Vu Q Pham
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Ha N Tran
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Loc T Trinh
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Thien T Dinh
- Department of General Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Dinh T Pham
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Tuong Anh Mai Phan
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
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Andric M, Stockheim J, Rahimli M, Klös M, Esser T, Soldatovic I, Dölling M, Al-Madhi S, Acciuffi S, Croner R, Perrakis A. Management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic. Single center data from a tertiary care hospital in Germany. Innov Surg Sci 2023; 8:39-48. [PMID: 38058775 PMCID: PMC10696938 DOI: 10.1515/iss-2022-0021] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The unexpected global overload of the health system during COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in management of acute appendicitis worldwide. Whereas conservative treatment was widely recommended, the appendicectomy remained standard therapy in Germany. We aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment routine for acute appendicitis at University Hospital of Magdeburg. Methods Adult patients with clinical and/or radiological diagnosis of acute appendicitis were included in the single center retrospective study. Data was collected to patient demographics, treatment modality and outcomes including morbidity and length of stay. The patient data related to COVID-19 period from March 22, 2020 to December 31, 2021 (649 days) were compared to the Non-COVID-19 period from June 12, 2018 to March 21, 2020 (649 days). Subgroup analysis related to conservative or surgical treatment has been performed. Results A total of 385 patients was included in the study, 203 (52.73 %) during Non-COVID-19 period and 182 (47.27 %) during COVID-19 period. Mean age of entire collective was 43.28 years, containing 43.9 % female patients (p=0.095). Conservative treatment was accomplished in 49 patients (12.7 % of entire collective), increasing from 9.9 % to 15.9 % during COVID-19 period (p=0.074). Laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed in 99.3 % (n=152) of operated patients during COVID-19 period (p=0.013), followed by less postoperative complications compared to reference period (23.5 % vs. 13.1 %, p=0.015). The initiation of antibiotic therapy after the diagnosis increased from 37.9 % to 53.3 % (p=0.002) during COVID-19 period regardless the following treatment modality. Antibiotic treatment showed shorter duration during pandemic period (5.57 days vs. 3.16 days, p<0.001) and it was given longer in the conservative treatment group (5.63 days vs. 4.26 days, p=0.02). The overall length of stay was shorter during COVID-19 period (4.67 days vs. 4.12 days, p=0.052) and in the conservative treatment group (3.08 days vs. 4.47 days, p<0.001). However, the overall morbidity was lower during the COVID-19 period than before (17.2 % vs. 7.7 %, p=0.005) and for conservative therapy compared to appendicectomy (2 % vs. 14.3 %, p=0.016). There was no mortality documented. Conclusions According to our findings the COVID-19 pandemic had a relevant impact on treatment of acute appendicitis, but it was possible to maintain the traditional diagnostic and treatment pathway. Although laparoscopic appendicectomy remains a recommended procedure, the conservative treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis with excellent short-term outcome can be a safe alternative to surgery during potential new wave of COVID-19 pandemic and in the daily routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihailo Andric
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Stockheim
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mirhasan Rahimli
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Klös
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Torben Esser
- Institute of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ivan Soldatovic
- Institute for Medical statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maximilian Dölling
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sara Al-Madhi
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sara Acciuffi
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Roland Croner
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aristotelis Perrakis
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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11
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Zachos K, Kolonitsiou F, Panagidis A, Gkentzi D, Fouzas S, Alexopoulos V, Kostopoulou E, Roupakias S, Vervenioti A, Dassios T, Georgiou G, Sinopidis X. Association of the Bacteria of the Vermiform Appendix and the Peritoneal Cavity with Complicated Acute Appendicitis in Children. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111839. [PMID: 37296691 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary infection has been questioned as the pathogenetic cause of acute appendicitis. We attempted to identify the bacteria involved and to investigate if their species, types, or combinations affected the severity of acute appendicitis in children. METHODS Samples from both the appendiceal lumen and the peritoneal cavity of 72 children who underwent appendectomy were collected to perform bacterial culture analysis. The outcomes were studied to identify if and how they were associated with the severity of the disease. Regression analysis was performed to identify any risk factors associated with complicated appendicitis. RESULTS Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus species were the most common pathogens found in the study population. The same microorganisms, either combined or separate, were the most common in the appendiceal lumen and the peritoneal cavity of patients with complicated appendicitis. Gram-negative bacteria and polymicrobial cultures in the peritoneal fluid and in the appendiceal lumen were associated with complicated appendicitis. Polymicrobial cultures in the peritoneal cavity presented a four times higher risk of complicated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS Polymicrobial presentation and Gram-negative bacteria are associated with complicated appendicitis. Antibiotic regimens should target the combinations of the most frequently identified pathogens, speculating the value of early antipseudomonal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fevronia Kolonitsiou
- Department of Microbiology, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Antonios Panagidis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, 26331 Patras, Greece
| | - Despoina Gkentzi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Sotirios Fouzas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Eirini Kostopoulou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Stylianos Roupakias
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Vervenioti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Theodore Dassios
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, 26331 Patras, Greece
| | - Xenophon Sinopidis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Patras School of Medicine, 26504 Patras, Greece
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12
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Uttinger KL, Diers J, Baum P, Hankir M, Germer CT, Wiegering A. Impact of the COVID pandemic on major abdominal cancer resections in Germany: a retrospective population-based cohort study. Int J Surg 2023; 109:670-678. [PMID: 36917131 PMCID: PMC10132304 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is estimated to have claimed more than 6 million lives globally since it started in 2019. Germany was exposed to two waves of coronavirus disease 2019 in 2020, one starting in April and the other in October. To ensure sufficient capacity for coronavirus disease 2019 patients in intensive care units, elective medical procedures were postponed. The fraction of major abdominal cancer resections affected by these measures remains unknown, and the most affected patient cohort has yet to be identified. METHODS This is a register-based, retrospective, nationwide cohort study of anonymized 'diagnosis-related group' billing data provided by the Federal Statistical Office in Germany. Cases were identified using diagnostic and procedural codes for major cancer resections. Population-adjusted cancer resection rates as the primary endpoint were compared at baseline (2012-2019) to those in 2020. RESULTS A change in resection rates for all analyzed entities (esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, colon, rectum, and lung cancer) was observed from baseline to 2020. Total monthly oncological resections dropped by 7.4% (8.7% normalized to the annual German population, P =0.011). Changes ranged from +3.7% for pancreatic resections ( P =0.277) to -19.4% for rectal resections ( P <0.001). Reductions were higher during lockdown periods. During the first lockdown period (April-June), the overall drop was 14.3% (8.58 per 100 000 vs. 7.35 per 100 000, P <0.001). There was no catch-up effect during the summer months except for pancreatic cancer resections. In the second lockdown period, there was an overall drop of 17.3%. In subgroup analyses, the elderly were most affected by the reduction in resection rates. There was a significant negative correlation between regional SARS-CoV-2 incidences and resections rates. This correlation was strongest for rectal cancer resections (Spearman's r : -0.425, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS The pandemic lockdowns had a major impact on the oncological surgical caseload in Germany in 2020. The elderly were most affected by the reduction. There was a clear correlation between SARS-CoV-2 incidences regionally and the reduction of surgical resection rates. In future pandemic circumstances, oncological surgery has to be prioritized with an extra focus on the most vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin L. Uttinger
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig
| | - Johannes Diers
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg
| | - Philip Baum
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg
| | - Mohammed Hankir
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg
| | - Christoph-Thomas Germer
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Mainfranken, University of Würzburg Medical Centre
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Mainfranken, University of Würzburg Medical Centre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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13
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Lescinska AM, Sondore E, Ptasnuka M, Mukans M, Plaudis H. The Course and Surgical Treatment of Acute Appendicitis during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis in University Affiliated Hospital in Latvia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020295. [PMID: 36837497 PMCID: PMC9966030 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency requiring surgery and it has an estimated lifetime risk of 6.7 to 8.6%. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed medical care worldwide, influencing diagnostic tactics, treatment modalities and outcomes. Our study aims to compare and analyze management of acute appendicitis before and during the first and second waves of the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Patients suffering acute appendicitis were enrolled retrospectively in a single-center study for a 10-month period before the pandemic (pre-COVID-19 period: 1 March to 31 December 2019) and during the pandemic (COVID-19 period: 1 March to 31 December 2020). The total number of patients, disease severity, diagnostic methods, complications, length of hospitalization and outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total number of 863 patients were included, 454 patients in the pre-COVID-19 period and 409 patients in the COVID-19 period. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, the number of complicated appendicitis increased in the COVID-19 period (24.4% to 37.2%; p < 0.001). The proportion of laparoscopic appendectomies increased during the COVID-19 period but did not show statistically significant differences between periods. In both time periods, we found that open technique was the chosen surgical approach more frequently in elderly patients (p < 0.001). Generalized peritonitis was significantly more common during the COVID-19 period (3.5% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001). The postoperative course of patients was similar in the pre-COVID-19 period and during the COVID-19 period, with no significant differences in ICU admissions, overall hospital stay or morbidity. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in complicated forms of acute appendicitis; however, no significant impact was observed in terms of diagnostic or treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marija Lescinska
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +371-29258517
| | - Elza Sondore
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia
| | - Margarita Ptasnuka
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia
| | - Maksims Mukans
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Haralds Plaudis
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of General and Emergency Surgery, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia
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14
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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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15
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Sukmanee J, Butchon R, Sarajan MH, Saeraneesopon T, Boonma C, Karunayawong P, Teerawattananon Y, Isaranuwatchai W. Estimating the potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of acute appendicitis in Thailand using a secondary data analysis of service utilization before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown policy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270241. [PMID: 36327258 PMCID: PMC9632900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies; however, optimal diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis remains challenging. We used the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown policy as a natural experiment to explore potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of acute appendicitis in Thailand. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of acute appendicitis in Thailand by examining service utilization before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown policy. Methods A secondary data analysis of patients admitted with acute appendicitis under the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) in Thailand over a 6-year period between 2016 and 2021 was conducted. The trend of acute appendicitis was plotted using a 14-day rolling average of daily cases. Patient characteristics, clinical management, and outcomes were descriptively presented and compared among three study periods, namely pre-pandemic, lockdown, and post-lockdown. Results The number of overall acute appendicitis cases decreased from 25,407 during pre-pandemic to 22,006 during lockdown (13.4% reduction) and 21,245 during post-lockdown (16.4% reduction). This reduction was mostly due to a lower incidence of uncomplicated acute appendicitis, whereas cases of generalized peritonitis were scarcely affected by the pandemic. There was an increasing trend towards the usage of diagnostic computerized tomography for acute appendicitis but no significant difference in treatment modalities and complication rates. Conclusion The stable rates of generalized peritonitis and complications during the COVID-19 lockdown, despite fewer admissions overall, suggest that there may have been overdiagnosis and overtreatment of acute appendicitis in Thailand. Policy makers could use these findings to improve clinical practice for acute appendicitis in Thailand and support the efficient utilization of surgical services in the future, especially during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarawee Sukmanee
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Rukmanee Butchon
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Myka Harun Sarajan
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Thanayut Saeraneesopon
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Chulathip Boonma
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Picharee Karunayawong
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Yot Teerawattananon
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
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16
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Reismann M. A concise pathophysiological model of acute appendicitis against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:908524. [PMID: 36313868 PMCID: PMC9606662 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.908524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most common clinical pictures has become the focus of attention during the COVID-19 pandemic: acute appendicitis with the associated diagnostics and therapy. The aim of the work is to show inconsistencies with regard to epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapy against the background of the pandemic with special attention to the conditions for children and to explain the pathophysiological processes that are likely to underlie the disease based on scientifically plausible models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Reismann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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van Amstel P, El Ghazzaoui A, Hall NJ, Wester T, Morini F, van der Lee JH, Singer G, Pierro A, Zani A, Gorter RR. Paediatric appendicitis: international study of management in the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Surg 2022; 109:1044-1048. [PMID: 36240511 PMCID: PMC9384519 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul van Amstel
- Correspondence to: Paul van Amstel, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (e-mail: )
| | - Ali El Ghazzaoui
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nigel J Hall
- University Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tomas Wester
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesco Morini
- Neonatal Surgery Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of the Fetus, Newborn, and Infant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Johanna H van der Lee
- Pediatric Clinical Research Office, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Knowledge Institute of the Dutch Association of Medical Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Georg Singer
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Augusto Zani
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ramon R Gorter
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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18
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Ernudd I, Älgå A, Sandblom G, Dahlberg M, Mantel Ä. Treatment strategies and perforation rate of acute appendicitis during the early phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Swedish cohort study. J Surg Res 2022; 280:450-458. [PMID: 36054956 PMCID: PMC9283669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction It is unknown whether the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on emergency surgical care in Sweden. This study aimed to compare frequency, treatment strategies, severity, and complication rate of appendicitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic with those of previous years. Methods In this single-center study, we identified all patients admitted with appendicitis between March 16 and June 16, 2020, at the Stockholm South General Hospital, and compared these with patients hospitalized with appendicitis during the same calendar period the three previous years. We used multivariate logistic regression to calculate Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals as measurement of the association between appendicitis treatment and perforation rate during the COVID-19 period compared to the nonCOVID-19 periods. Results In all, 892 patients hospitalized with appendicitis were identified, 241 (27%) in 2020 (Covid period group) and the remaining 651 (73%) during the same calendar periods 2017-2019 (nonCovid period group). Appendicitis during the COVID-19 period was associated with double the risk for undergoing conservative treatment (OR 2.15 [95% CI 1.44-3.21]), and a decreased risk for being diagnosed with perforated appendicitis (OR 0.68 [95% CI 0.48-0.98]). Conclusions Patients admitted with appendicitis during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Stockholm, Sweden, were more likely to receive conservative treatment and less likely to suffer from perforated appendicitis compared to patients hospitalized before the pandemic. Hypothetically, this difference could have been due to pandemic-associated resource reallocation, or it may simply reflect an increasing trend towards conservative management of appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ernudd
- Surgical Department, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Älgå
- Surgical Department, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Sandblom
- Surgical Department, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Dahlberg
- Surgical Department, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ängla Mantel
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Sweden; Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Wu J, Jiang H, Li S, Wu X, Wang P, Sawyer R, Ren J. Optimising the treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (OPTIMA trial): a protocol for a multicentre, randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057793. [PMID: 35501082 PMCID: PMC9062814 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging evidence has shown that an antibiotic first strategy is a viable treatment option for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AA). Although there has recently been an interest and increase in the use of antibiotics as the primary strategy for treating uncomplicated AA, there is no consensus regarding the optimum antibiotic regimen. In particular, the long-term outcomes of different antibiotic regimens, such as the recurrence rate, still lack evidence. Given that the flora of the appendix is mainly anaerobic bacteria, we hypothesised that antianaerobe regimens could decrease the recurrence rate compared with those that did not include antianaerobic antibiotics. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The OPTIMA(Optimising the treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis) trial is a multicentre, double-blinded placebo-controlled superiority randomised study aimed to evaluate the role of antianaerobic antibiotics in the resolution of uncomplicated AA. Patients (18-65 years) with uncomplicated AA (without gangrenous, perforated appendicitis, appendiceal abscess, or appendiceal fecaliths) are eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint of this study is the success rate of the treatment, defined as the resolution of AA resulting in discharge from the hospital without surgical intervention and recurrent symptoms within one year. Secondary endpoints include mortality, postintervention complications, recurrent symptoms up to one year after treatment, hospital stay, sick leave, treatment cost, pain symptom scores and quality of life. Data are reported as the number of cases (%), median (range) and relative risk, which will be analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test, as appropriate. P-value<0.05 will be considered significant. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Jinling Hospital on 13 November 2018 (2018NZKY-027-01). The trial findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR1800018896.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shikuan Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiuwen Wu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peige Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Robert Sawyer
- General Surgery Department, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Jianan Ren
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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20
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Roberts K. Impact of COVID-19 on appendicitis presentations in children in Australia and New Zealand. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:736-741. [PMID: 35285164 PMCID: PMC9111244 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast to many countries, the prevalence of COVID-19 in Australia and New Zealand has been low. We hypothesised, however, that a potential secondary effect of the COVID-19 pandemic would be delayed presentation of paediatric appendicitis, with resultant higher rates of complicated appendicitis. This study was an initiative of the Australian and New Zealand Surgery in Children Registrars' Association for Trials collaborative, a trainee-led research group based in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS A binational multicentre, retrospective review was undertaken of paediatric patients with appendicitis early in the COVID-19 pandemic (20 March-30 April 2020), compared with previous years (2018, 2019). Primary outcomes were the duration of symptoms prior to presentation and the severity of disease. RESULTS A total of 400 patients from six centres were included. Duration of symptoms prior to presentation, sepsis at presentation, complicated disease and presence of complications did not differ significantly between time periods. Duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment and overall antibiotic treatment were both significantly shorter during 2020 (2.4 days versus 3.5 in 2018 and 3.0 in 2019 [P = 0.0038] and 3.7 days versus 5.2 in 2018 and 4.6 in 2019 [P = 0.04], respectively). Management approach did not differ, with the majority of patients managed operatively. CONCLUSIONS We did not demonstrate any difference in duration of symptoms prior to presentation or other markers of disease severity early in the pandemic. Duration of antibiotic treatment was shorter during this period compared with previous years. Management of children with appendicitis, both simple and complicated, did not appear to change as a result of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Roberts
- Department of Paediatric SurgeryTownsville University HospitalDouglasQueenslandAustralia
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21
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Jantzen AT, Bang-Nielsen A, Bertelsen CA, Torp-Pedersen C, Kleif J. Incidence of appendicitis during COVID-19 lockdown: A nationwide population-based study. Scand J Surg 2022; 111:14574969221089387. [PMID: 35488422 DOI: 10.1177/14574969221089387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate how a nationwide lockdown influences the incidence of appendicitis. BACKGROUND Communitive infectious diseases may play a role in the pathogenesis of appendicitis as indicated by a seasonal variation in the incidence rate. The spread of communitive infectious diseases has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown; thus, we have an opportunity to study the incidence rate of appendicitis in an environment with less impact from common community infections. METHODS The study is a nationwide register-based cohort study of the entire Danish population of 5.8 million. The difference in the incidence of appendicitis in a population subjugated to a controlled lockdown with social distancing (study group) was compared to a population not subjugated to a controlled lockdown and social distancing (reference group). RESULTS The relative risk of appendicitis during the lockdown was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-1.03, p = 0.131). The relative risk of complicated appendicitis during the lockdown was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.49-0.93, p = 0.02). The incidence of uncomplicated appendicitis was not significantly different during the national lockdown. CONCLUSIONS During the national lockdown of Denmark due to the COVID-19 pandemic the incidence of complicated appendicitis was reduced significantly compared to previous years, indicating that infectious disease might be a factor in the pathogenesis of appendicitis with complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04407117).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalie T Jantzen
- Department of Surgery Nordsjællands Hospital Dyrehavevej 29 Hillerød 3400 Denmark
| | | | - Claus A Bertelsen
- Department of Surgery, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Christian Torp-Pedersen
- Department of Cardiology, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jakob Kleif
- Department of Surgery, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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22
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An S, Kim HR, Jang S, Kim K. The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease - 19 Pandemic on the Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Adult Patients with Acute Appendicitis. Front Surg 2022; 9:878534. [PMID: 35433818 PMCID: PMC9009369 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.878534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the characteristics, severity, and treatment of adult patients with acute appendicitis in Korea over a 2-year period during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic compared to those before the pandemic. We also investigated whether there were any changes in clinical characteristics of acute appendicitis before and after vaccination against the coronavirus.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with acute appendicitis at our institution between March 1, 2019, and August 31, 2021. We divided the patients into three groups (pre-pandemic, before vaccination, and after vaccination) and analyzed the clinical outcomes.ResultsThe time from symptom onset to hospital arrival and the time from symptom onset to operation increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. The rate of complicated appendicitis during the pandemic was higher than that before the pandemic. In addition, the number of new daily cases showed a positive correlation with the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.04; P < 0.001) and complicated appendicitis (OR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001–1.002; P = 0.0017). The vaccination rate showed a negative correlation with the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival (OR, −2.26; 95% CI, −3.42 to −1.11; P < 0.001) and complicated appendicitis (OR, 0.915; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.996; P = 0.0404).ConclusionsEmploying hospital-wide efforts, such as screening by rapid PCR testing, to avoid further time delays, and nationwide efforts, such as vaccination, to shorten the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival, are necessary to maintain the quality of treatment of acute appendicitis during an infectious disease pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghyun An
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hae-Rim Kim
- College of Natural Science, School of Statistics, University of Seoul, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungwoo Jang
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Kwangmin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Correspondence: Kwangmin Kim
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23
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Emile SH. Finding a place for non-operative management of acute appendicitis: COVID-19 as an example. Am J Surg 2022; 223:605-606. [PMID: 34538608 PMCID: PMC9745884 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Hany Emile
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, General Surgery Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, Egypt
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24
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Characteristics of Acute Appendicitis before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Single Center Experience. Emerg Med Int 2022; 2022:4541748. [PMID: 35251714 PMCID: PMC8894033 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4541748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic caused an increased incidence of complicated appendicitis due to the late presentation when compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Summary Background Data. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. During the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a reported delay in the presentation of some urgencies to the emergency hospital departments. Methods. A total of 427 patients who underwent surgical treatment due to suspected acute appendicitis from June 2019 to November 2020 were retrospectively included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: the first (pre-COVID-19) group consisted of patients who had surgery before the onset of COVID-19 pandemic (n = 240), while the second (COVID-19) group consisted of those who were operated during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 187). The primary outcome of the study was to compare the incidence of perforated appendicitis before and during the onset of COVID-19. Results. Overall, 84 patients (19.67%) were diagnosed with perforated appendicitis. We found a weak significance (p=0.085) in the rate of perforated appendicitis between the pre-COVID-19 (17.08%) and the COVID-19 era (22.99%). Conclusions. We did not observe any significant difference in the complications of acute appendicitis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a university hospital in Rijeka. An emergent medical care should always be accessible.
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25
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Zheng Z, Bi JT, Liu YQ, Cai X. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of acute appendicitis in China. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:215-219. [PMID: 34647160 PMCID: PMC8514203 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-021-04031-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research aims to analyze the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the hospital visits of patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS The retrospective analysis was designed to look at the treatment of acute appendicitis in the Department of General Surgery in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020). Data was analyzed by the numbers of patients, sex, age, onset time, fever or not, laboratory examination, imaging test, and treatment. And we analyzed the differences between the "pre-COVID group" and "during-COVID group". RESULTS Compared with the year 2019, the number of acute appendicitis patients has diminished substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), but the number elevated with the control of the pandemic. Even if we did not find the differences of the treatment before and during the pandemic (P = 0.932), the onset time to emergency was significantly longer (P < 0.001), and more patients had showed fever (P < 0.001) during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the total number of white blood cells and C reactive protein level were significantly higher in 2020 than those in 2019 (P = 0.006, 0.003). And the same result was found in patients with appendiceal fecalith (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION During the pandemic of the new coronavirus pneumonia, the number of patients with acute appendix treatment dropped significantly, mainly because it took longer than before, and the condition was more severe. It can be seen that the new coronary pneumonia has a great impact on the patients' medical treatment behavior, and the active prevention and treatment of the new coronavirus pneumonia is currently an important and urgent issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhiXue Zheng
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035 China
| | - Jing Tao Bi
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035 China
| | - Ya Qi Liu
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035 China
| | - Xuan Cai
- grid.414360.40000 0004 0605 7104Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035 China
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26
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Pata F, Di Martino M, Podda M, Di Saverio S, Ielpo B, Pellino G. Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study. World J Surg 2022; 46:2021-2035. [PMID: 35810215 PMCID: PMC9332068 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. METHODS From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. RESULTS A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. CONCLUSION Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pata
- General Surgery Unit, UOC di Chirurgia, Nicola Giannettasio Hospital, Via Ippocrate, 87064, Corigliano-Rossano, CS, Italy.
- La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marcello Di Martino
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, A.O.R.N. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Podda
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salomone Di Saverio
- Department of Surgery, Madonna del Soccorso General Hospital, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Benedetto Ielpo
- Hepatobiliary division, Hospital del Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluca Pellino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Universitá degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Policlinico CS, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.
- Colorectal Surgery, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
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27
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Siegel R, Hohenstein S, Anders S, Strik M, Kuhlen R, Bollmann A. Access to Surgery and Quality of Care for Acute Cholecystitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 and 2021 - an Analysis of 12,545 Patients from a German-Wide Hospital Network. J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 26:1462-1471. [PMID: 35445322 PMCID: PMC9020554 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-022-05318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine effects on admission, treatment, and outcome for acute cholecystitis during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. METHODS Retrospective analysis of claims data from 74 German hospitals. Study periods were defined from March 5, 2020 (start of first wave) to June 20, 2021 (end of third wave) and compared to corresponding control periods (March 2018 to February 2020). All in-patients with acute cholecystitis were included. Distribution of cases, type of surgery, comorbidities, surgical outcome, and length of stay of all cases with acute cholecystitis and cholecystectomy were compared. In addition, we analyzed the type of treatment (non-surgical, cholecystostomy, or cholecystectomy) for all cases with main diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. RESULTS We could not demonstrate differences in daily admissions over the course of the pandemic (11.2-12.7 patients vs. 11.9-12.6 patients for control periods). Proportion of patients with non-surgical treatment was low and not increased (11.7-17.3% vs. 14.5-18.4%). Cholecystostomy was rare throughout all periods (0-0.5% of all patients). We did not observe an increase in open surgery (proportion of open cholecystectomies 3.4-5.5%). Mortality was generally low (1.5-1.9%) with no differences between periods. Median length of stay was 4 days throughout all periods. CONCLUSION The numerous restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic did not result in an increase of admissions or surgery for acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been safely applied during the pandemic. Our results may assure the ability to maintain high quality of surgical care even in times of disruptions to the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Siegel
- grid.412581.b0000 0000 9024 6397Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany ,grid.491869.b0000 0000 8778 9382Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Schwanebecker Chaussee 50, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Hohenstein
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig and Leipzig Heart Institute, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Anders
- grid.491869.b0000 0000 8778 9382Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Schwanebecker Chaussee 50, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Strik
- grid.491869.b0000 0000 8778 9382Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Schwanebecker Chaussee 50, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Bollmann
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig and Leipzig Heart Institute, Leipzig, Germany
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28
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Impact of COVID-19 on the incidence of CT-diagnosed appendicitis and its complications in the UK and Sweden. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:1375-1383. [PMID: 35575916 PMCID: PMC9108134 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-022-04181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM To compare the number of appendicitis cases and its complications, during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden and the UK and the corresponding time period in 2019. METHOD Reports of emergency abdominopelvic CT performed at 56 Swedish hospitals and 38 British hospitals between April and July 2020 and a corresponding control cohort from 2019 were reviewed. Two radiologists and two surgeons blinded to the date of cohorts analyzed all reports for diagnosis of appendicitis, perforation, and abscess. A random selection of cases was chosen for the measurement of inter-rater agreement. RESULT Both in Sweden (6111) and the UK (5591) fewer, abdominopelvic CT scans were done in 2020 compared to 2019 (6433 and 7223, respectively); p < 0.001. In the UK, the number of appendicitis was 36% lower in April-June 2020 compared to 2019 but not in Sweden. Among the appendicitis cases, there was a higher number of perforations and abscesses in 2020, in Sweden. In the UK, the number of perforations and abscesses were initially lower (April-June 2020) but increased in July 2020. There was a substantial inter-rater agreement for the diagnosis of perforations and abscess formations (K = 0.64 and 0.77). CONCLUSION In Sweden, the number of appendicitis was not different between 2019 and 2020; however, there was an increase of complications. In the UK, there was a significant decrease of cases in 2020. The prevalence of complications was lower initially but increased in July. These findings suggest variability in delay in diagnosis of appendicitis depending on the country and time frame studied.
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El Nakeeb A, Emile SH, AbdelMawla A, Attia M, Alzahrani M, ElGamdi A, Nouh AE, Alshahrani A, AlAreef R, Kayed T, Hamza HM, AlMalki A, Rayzah F, Alsharif M, Alsharif F, Mohammed MM. Presentation and outcomes of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned from the Middle East-a multicentre prospective cohort study. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:777-789. [PMID: 35152340 PMCID: PMC8853311 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-022-04108-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a striking impact on healthcare services in the world. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation management and outcomes of acute appendicitis (AA) in different centers in the Middle East. METHODS This multicenter cohort study compared the presentation and outcomes of patients with AA who presented during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to patients who presented before the onset of the pandemic. Demographic data, clinical presentation, management strategy, and outcomes were prospectively collected and compared. RESULTS Seven hundred seventy-one patients presented with AA during the COVID pandemic versus 1174 in the pre-COVID period. Delayed and complex presentation of AA was significantly more observed during the pandemic period. Seventy-six percent of patients underwent CT scanning to confirm the diagnosis of AA during the pandemic period, compared to 62.7% in the pre-COVID period. Non-operative management (NOM) was more frequently employed in the pandemic period. Postoperative complications were higher amid the pandemic as compared to before its onset. Reoperation and readmission rates were significantly higher in the COVID period, whereas the negative appendicectomy rate was significantly lower in the pandemic period (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkable decrease in the number of patients with AA was seen along with a higher incidence of complex AA, greater use of CT scanning, and more application of NOM. The rates of postoperative complications, reoperation, and readmission were significantly higher during the COVID period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mohamed Alzahrani
- Khamis Mushait General Hospital, Aseer region, Khamis Mushait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman ElGamdi
- Khamis Mushait General Hospital, Aseer region, Khamis Mushait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd elwahab Nouh
- Khamis Mushait General Hospital, Aseer region, Khamis Mushait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alshahrani
- Khamis Mushait General Hospital, Aseer region, Khamis Mushait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyadh AlAreef
- Khamis Mushait General Hospital, Aseer region, Khamis Mushait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Ahmad AlMalki
- Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer region, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fares Rayzah
- Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer region, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Motaz Alsharif
- Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer region, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fares Alsharif
- Aseer Central Hospital, Aseer region, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Teng TZJ, Thong XR, Lau KY, Balasubramaniam S, Shelat VG. Acute appendicitis–advances and controversies. World J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 13:1293-1314. [PMID: 34950421 PMCID: PMC8649565 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i11.1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Being one of the most common causes of the acute abdomen, acute appendicitis (AA) forms the bread and butter of any general surgeon’s practice. With the recent advancements in AA’s management, much controversy in diagnostic algorithms, possible differential diagnoses, and weighing the management options has been generated, with no absolute consensus in the literature. Since Alvarado described his eponymous clinical scoring system in 1986 to stratify AA risk, there has been a burgeoning of additional scores for guiding downstream management and mortality assessment. Furthermore, advancing literature on the role of antibiotics, variations in appendicectomy, and its adjuncts have expanded the surgeon’s repertoire of management options. Owing to the varied presentation, diagnostic tools, and management of AA have also been proposed in special groups such as pregnant patients, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. This article seeks to raise the critical debates about what is currently known about the above aspects of AA and explore the latest controversies in the field. Considering the ever-evolving coronavirus disease 2019 situation worldwide, we also discuss the pandemic’s repercussions on patients and how surgeons’ practices have evolved in the context of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zheng Jie Teng
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Xuan Rong Thong
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Kai Yuan Lau
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | | | - Vishal G Shelat
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Undergraduate Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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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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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: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [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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Koch F, Hohenstein S, Bollmann A, Meier-Hellmann A, Kuhlen R, Ritz JP. [Has the COVID19 Pandemic Changed the Emergency Situation in German Clinics? A Nationwide Analysis of Routine Data from 73 Acute Hospitals]. Zentralbl Chir 2021; 146:570-578. [PMID: 34587644 DOI: 10.1055/a-1592-2234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has led to profound changes in the world as we have known it. Due to the sharp increase in intensive care, COVID patients, elective admissions and interventions have been postponed. But emergencies such as myocardial infarction have also decreased. The present study deals with the effects of the COVID pandemic on visceral surgical emergencies on the basis of 5 indicator operations. Routine data from 73 acute hospitals of the Helios Group were evaluated for this purpose. The interventions that were carried out between March 13, 2020 and March 12, 2021 were included. The data was compared with the period from March 13, 2019 to March 12, 2020. The number of interventions in serious emergencies (ileus, mesenteric ischemia and ulcer perforation) has remained constant. However, the length of stay in hospital in the pandemic year 2020 was significantly shorter than in the reference year 2019. The number of cholecystectomies and appendectomies in the pandemic year was significantly lower than in the reference year 2019. The outcome parameters intensive care, invasive ventilation and hospital mortality were comparable for the two periods for these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Koch
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Germany
| | - Sven Hohenstein
- Herzzentrum, Herzzentrum Leipzig Universitätsklinik, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bollmann
- Herzzentrum, Herzzentrum Leipzig Universitätsklinik, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Kuhlen
- Zentrale, HELIOS Kliniken GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Ritz
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Germany
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35
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Abram J, Gasteiger L, Putzer G, Spraider P, Mathis S, Hell T, Martini J. Impact of COVID-19 Related Lockdown on the Frequency of Acute and Oncological Surgeries-Lessons Learned From an Austrian University Hospital. Front Public Health 2021; 9:625582. [PMID: 34409000 PMCID: PMC8365164 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.625582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, Austria, provides the highest level of care for a region of approximately 1.8 million people. During the early COVID-19 outbreak in spring 2020 surgical activity was drastically reduced with the prime goal of preserving hospital capacities, especially intensive care beds. We conducted a retrospective analysis of surgical activities performed at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital during the lockdown period from March 15 to April 14, 2020 and compared these activities to the same period during the previous 5 years. Total surgical activity was reduced by 65.4% compared to the same period during the previous 5 years (p < 0.001); elective surgeries were reduced by 88.7%, acute surgeries by 35.3% and oncological surgeries by 47.8% compared to the previous 5 years (all p < 0.001). This dramatic decrease in acute and oncological surgeries can most likely be ascribed to the fact that many patients avoided health care facilities because of the strict stay-at-home policy and/or the fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital. In view of future waves, the population should be encouraged to seek medical help for acute symptoms and to attend cancer screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Abram
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Gasteiger
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gabriel Putzer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patrick Spraider
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simon Mathis
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tobias Hell
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Judith Martini
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Lock JF, Köhler F, Germer CT, Flemming S, Wiegering A. [Impact of COVID-19 on elective and emergency colorectal surgery]. Chirurg 2021; 92:924-928. [PMID: 34258647 PMCID: PMC8276841 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-021-01464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to far-reaching changes in the treatment reality in practically all fields of medicine. OBJECTIVE Recommendations on the perioperative management with respect to SARS-CoV‑2 and presentation of the impact of the pandemic on colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out. RESULTS Perioperative SARS-CoV‑2 infections lead to a clearly increased postoperative mortality and must be avoided by a structured bundle of measures. The worldwide limitations on screening investigations and treatment options can in the medium term result in an increased mortality due to colorectal cancer. In emergency treatment there was also a substantial reduction in case numbers with the danger of delayed interventions. CONCLUSION A rapid normalization of clinical treatment pathways in colorectal surgery is necessary to avoid long-term negative sequelae for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan F Lock
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Transplantations‑, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Franziska Köhler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Transplantations‑, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Christoph-Thomas Germer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Transplantations‑, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Sven Flemming
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Transplantations‑, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Transplantations‑, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland. .,Lehrstuhl für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Biozentrum, Würzburg, Deutschland.
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Binder J, Brunner M, Maak M, Denz A, Weber GF, Grützmann R, Krautz C. [Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in general and visceral surgery : A comparison of performance and revenue data from two departments of hospitals with different levels of referral]. Chirurg 2021; 92:630-639. [PMID: 34152452 PMCID: PMC8215638 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-021-01448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, German hospitals were required to limit the capacity for elective surgery to prevent the healthcare system from general overload. In March 2020, the German government passed the COVID-19 Hospital Relief Act that guaranteed compensation payments for these limitations. In this study the regional impact of this intervention were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS The performance data and revenue figures for the departments of general and visceral surgery of the University Hospital of Erlangen (UKER) and the District Hospital St. Anna Höchstadt/Aisch (KKH) during the period from 1 April to 30 June 2019 were compared with the respective period in 2020. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in bed occupancy rates and case numbers of inpatient treatment. The latter declined by 20.06% in the UKER and 60.76% in the KKH. Nononcological elective surgery was reduced by 33.04% in the UKER and 60.87% in the KKH. The number of emergency procedures remained unchanged in the UKER, while they decreased by 51.58% in the KKH. The revenues from diagnosis-related groups (DRG) decreased by 22.12% (UKER) and 54% (KKH), respectively. After taking compensation payments and savings from variable material costs into account, the UKER recorded a loss of -3.87%, while there was a positive revenue effect of 6.5% in the KKH. DISCUSSION The nonselective restriction of elective surgery had a significant impact on patient care and revenue figures at both locations. With respect to the increase of intensive care capacities, such untargeted measures do not appear to be efficient. In addition, the fixed rate of compensation payments led to an unbalanced distribution of the financial aid between the two departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Binder
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Maximilian Brunner
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Maak
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.,Chirurgische Abteilung, Kreiskrankenhaus St. Anna Höchstadt/Aisch, Spitalstraße 5, 91315, Höchstadt a. d. Aisch, Deutschland
| | - Axel Denz
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Georg F Weber
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.,Chirurgische Abteilung, Kreiskrankenhaus St. Anna Höchstadt/Aisch, Spitalstraße 5, 91315, Höchstadt a. d. Aisch, Deutschland
| | - Christian Krautz
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie des, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Krankenhausstraße 12, Eingang Maximiliansplatz, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
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Changes in the management of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2021; 406:503-504. [PMID: 33533983 PMCID: PMC7854877 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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