1
|
Sula S, Paananen T, Tammilehto V, Hurme S, Mattila A, Rantanen T, Rautio T, Pinta T, Sippola S, Haijanen JM, Salminen P. Impact of an appendicolith and its characteristics on the severity of acute appendicitis. BJS Open 2024; 8:zrae093. [PMID: 39226377 PMCID: PMC11370785 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrae093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics have been reported as an efficient and safe treatment option for uncomplicated acute appendicitis without an appendicolith diagnosed using computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to assess the association of a CT-diagnosed appendicolith and its characteristics with appendicitis severity. METHODS A large prospective patient cohort with suspected acute appendicitis enrolled between April 2017 and November 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. The initial analysis evaluated the association of a CT-diagnosed appendicolith with complicated acute appendicitis; then, based on the availability of CT images, a subset of patients was analysed for the correlation of appendicolith characteristics with appendicitis severity. The final appendicitis assessment (uncomplicated or complicated-including perforation, gangrene, an abscess, or a tumour) was determined for all patients. RESULTS Out of 3512 eligible patients, 3085 patients with appendicitis were selected and 380 patients with an appendicolith and with a CT image available for reassessment were included. Out of the 3085 patients with CT-diagnosed acute appendicitis, 1101 (35.7%) patients presented with both acute appendicitis and an appendicolith and, out of these, 519 (47.1%) had complicated acute appendicitis. In the patients without an appendicolith (1984 patients), 426 (21.5%) had complicated appendicitis (P < 0.001). Re-evaluation of CT images for 380 patients showed that a larger appendicolith diameter (OR = 1.15 (95% c.i. 1.06 to 1.25); P < 0.001), appendicolith location at the base of the appendix (55.1% versus 44.9%; P = 0.008), and heterogeneous appendiceal wall enhancement around the appendicolith (68.4% versus 31.6%; P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of complicated acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION The presence of an appendicolith in patients with acute appendicitis is correlated with the risk of complicated appendicitis. This risk is further increased by a larger appendicolith diameter or appendicolith location at the base of the appendix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Sula
- Division of Digestive Surgery and Urology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Paananen
- Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Tammilehto
- Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Saija Hurme
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Mattila
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tuomo Rantanen
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tero Rautio
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tarja Pinta
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - Suvi Sippola
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jussi M Haijanen
- Division of Digestive Surgery and Urology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Paulina Salminen
- Division of Digestive Surgery and Urology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Paisant A, Faroche E, Fouche A, Legrand A, Aube C, Hamel JF, Venara A. Time to improve the management of patients with suspected acute appendicitis: a retrospective study. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024:10.1007/s00261-024-04471-w. [PMID: 38954002 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04471-w] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preoperative imaging is now recommended in patients with suspected acute appendicitis (AA) by the World Society of Emergency Surgery. Our aims were (i) to describe our local practice and (ii) to evaluate the efficiency of performing ultrasound (US) and/or computed tomography (CT) by assessing management failure, specificity and sensitivity, and length of stay in the emergency department (ED). METHODS This single-center retrospective study included all patients who underwent US or CT for the management of suspected AA. Patients were included if they were admitted to the ED in February or June between 2012 and 2021. RESULTS The study included 339 patients. US was performed in 278 patients (82%), of whom 91 also had a second-line CT (31.3%). There was a significant increase in the rate of CT over the inclusion period. Three percent (3%) of the patients had management failure and a higher age and CT or US + CT were significantly associated with the risk of management failure. Length of stay in the ED increased significantly when a second-line CT was performed. The sensitivity and specificity of US were 84.8% and 93.2%, respectively. Sensitivity was significantly different from CT (100%, p = 0.03) but not specificity (87.9%, p = 0.29). Both US and CT results were more likely to be considered for further management if positive. The vast majority of patients with negative or inconclusive results were admitted in surgical wards or underwent a second-line examination. CONCLUSION If available in the hospital together with CT, US should probably be performed systematically and as a first-line examination in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Paisant
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Angers, France
- Department of Radiodiagnostics, CHU Angers, 4 Rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France
- HIFIH, UPRES EA, University of Angers, 3859, Angers, France
| | - Emma Faroche
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Angers, France
- Department of Endocrinal and Visceral Surgery, 4 Rue Larrey, 49933, Angers Cedex 9, France
| | - Alban Fouche
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Angers, France
| | - Arthur Legrand
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Angers, France
| | - Christophe Aube
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Angers, France
- Department of Radiodiagnostics, CHU Angers, 4 Rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France
- HIFIH, UPRES EA, University of Angers, 3859, Angers, France
| | - Jean-François Hamel
- Department of Biostatistics, CHU Angers, 4 Rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France
| | - Aurélien Venara
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Angers, France.
- Department of Endocrinal and Visceral Surgery, 4 Rue Larrey, 49933, Angers Cedex 9, France.
- HIFIH, UPRES EA, University of Angers, 3859, Angers, France.
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, Nantes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khan M, Kessel B. Preoperative delay in uncomplicated appendicitis: the PERFECT trial. Lancet 2024; 403:2690-2691. [PMID: 38908872 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Khan
- Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull University Teaching Hospitals, Hull HU3 2JZ, UK.
| | - Boris Kessel
- Surgical Division, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel; Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lamm R, Kumar SS, Collings AT, Haskins IN, Abou-Setta A, Narula N, Nepal P, Hanna NM, Athanasiadis DI, Scholz S, Bradley JF, Train AT, Pucher PH, Quinteros F, Slater B. Diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:8933-8990. [PMID: 37914953 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains controversial. This systematic review details the evidence and current best practices for the evaluation and management of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in adults and children. METHODS Eight questions regarding the diagnosis and management of appendicitis were formulated. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov/NLM were queried for articles published from 2010 to 2022 with key words related to at least one question. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. Two reviewers screened each publication for eligibility and then extracted data from eligible studies. Random effects meta-analyses were performed on all quantitative data. The quality of randomized and non-randomized studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 or Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively. RESULTS 2792 studies were screened and 261 were included. Most had a high risk of bias. Computerized tomography scan yielded the highest sensitivity (> 80%) and specificity (> 93%) in the adult population, although high variability existed. In adults with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management resulted in higher odds of readmission (OR 6.10) and need for operation (OR 20.09), but less time to return to work/school (SMD - 1.78). In pediatric patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management also resulted in higher odds of need for operation (OR 38.31). In adult patients with complicated appendicitis, there were higher odds of need for operation following antibiotic treatment only (OR 29.00), while pediatric patients had higher odds of abscess formation (OR 2.23). In pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis, higher risk of reoperation at any time point was observed in patients who had drains placed at the time of operation (RR 2.04). CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains nuanced. A personalized approach and appropriate patient selection remain key to treatment success. Further research on controversies in treatment would be useful for optimal management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lamm
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunjay S Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, 613 Curtis, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Amelia T Collings
- Hiram C. Polk, Jr Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ivy N Haskins
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ahmed Abou-Setta
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nisha Narula
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pramod Nepal
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nader M Hanna
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stefan Scholz
- Division of General and Thoracic Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joel F Bradley
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arianne T Train
- Department of Surgery, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Philip H Pucher
- Department of Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Francisco Quinteros
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
| | - Bethany Slater
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Borruel Nacenta S, Ibáñez Sanz L, Sanz Lucas R, Depetris M, Martínez Chamorro E. Update on acute appendicitis: Typical and untypical findings. RADIOLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2023; 65 Suppl 1:S81-S91. [PMID: 37024234 DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute appendicitis is the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery throughout the world and a common reason for consultation in emergency departments. In recent decades, diagnostic imaging has played a fundamental role in identifying acute appendicitis, helping to reduce the rate of blind laparotomies and hospital costs. Given the results of clinical trials supporting the use of antibiotic therapy over surgical treatment, radiologists need to know the diagnostic criteria for complicated acute appendicitis to be able to recommend the best treatment option. This review aims not only to define the diagnostic criteria for appendicitis in different imaging modalities (ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging), but also to explain the diagnostic protocols, atypical presentations, and other conditions that can mimic appendicitis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Actualización de la apendicitis aguda: hallazgos típicos y atípicos. RADIOLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
7
|
Huijgen D, de Wijkerslooth EML, Janssen JC, Beverdam FH, Boerma EJG, Dekker JWT, Kitonga S, van Rossem CC, Schreurs WH, Toorenvliet BR, Vermaas M, Wijnhoven BPL, van den Boom AL. Multicenter cohort study on the presentation and treatment of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:1087-1095. [PMID: 35415811 PMCID: PMC9005243 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-022-04137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current studies have demonstrated conflicting results regarding surgical care for acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess trends in diagnosis as well as treatment of acute appendicitis in the Netherlands during the first and second COVID-19 infection wave. METHODS All consecutive patients that had an appendectomy for acute appendicitis in nine hospitals from January 2019 to December 2020 were included. The primary outcome was the number of appendectomies for acute appendicitis. Secondary outcomes included time between onset of symptoms and hospital admission, proportion of complex appendicitis, postoperative length of stay and postoperative infectious complications. Outcomes were compared between the pre-COVID group and COVID group. RESULTS A total of 4401 patients were included. The mean weekly rate of appendectomies during the COVID period was 44.0, compared to 40.9 in the pre-COVID period. The proportion of patients with complex appendicitis and mean postoperative length of stay in days were similar in the pre-COVID and COVID group (respectively 35.5% vs 36.8%, p = 0.36 and 2.0 ± 2.2 vs 2.0 ± 2.6, p = 0.93). There were no differences in postoperative infectious complications. A computed tomography scan was used more frequently as a diagnostic tool after the onset of COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID (13.8% vs 9.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION No differences were observed in number of appendectomies, proportion of complex appendicitis, postoperative length of stay or postoperative infectious complications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A CT scan was used more frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demi Huijgen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Josephine C Janssen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Evert-Jan G Boerma
- Department of Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sophia Kitonga
- Department of Surgery, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Maarten Vermaas
- Department of Surgery, IJsselland Hospital, Capelle Aan Den IJssel, The Netherlands
| | - Bas P L Wijnhoven
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Loes van den Boom
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The association between appendicitis severity and patient age with appendiceal neoplasm histology-a population-based study. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:1173-1180. [PMID: 35474547 PMCID: PMC9072484 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-022-04132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies have reported alarming appendiceal tumor rates associated with complicated acute appendicitis, especially in patients presenting with a periappendicular abscess. However, the data on histology of appendiceal tumors among acute appendicitis patients is limited, especially in patient cohorts differentiating between uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis. We have previously reported the association of increased appendiceal tumor prevalence with complicated acute appendicitis in this population-based study. The objective of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the association of both appendicitis severity and patient age with appendiceal tumor histology. METHODS This nationwide population-based registry study (The Finnish Cancer Registry) was conducted from 2007 to 2013. All appendiceal tumors (n = 840) and available medical reports (n = 504) of these patients at eight study hospitals were previously evaluated, identifying altogether 250 patients with both acute appendicitis and appendiceal tumor. RESULTS The severity of acute appendicitis was significantly associated with more malignant tumor histology. The risk of adenocarcinoma or pseudomyxoma was significantly higher among patients with periappendicular abscess (OR 15.05, CI 95% 6.98-32.49, p < 0.001) and patients presenting with perforated acute appendicitis (OR 4.09, CI 95% 1.69-9.90, p = 0.0018) compared to patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Similarly, patient age over 40 years was significantly associated with the risk of adenocarcinoma and pseudomyxoma (OR 26.46, Cl 95% 7.95-88.09, p < 0.001). Patient sex was not associated with a more malignant appendiceal tumor histology (p = 0.67). CONCLUSION More malignant appendiceal tumor histology of adenocarcinoma or pseudomyxoma was significantly associated with patient age over 40 years and complicated acute appendicitis, especially periappendicular abscess.
Collapse
|