Predicting Postoperative Complications After Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis

Lack of Routine Postoperative Labs Not Associated With Complications in Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative (postop) management of pediatric perforated appendicitis varies significantly, and postop intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA) remain a significant issue. Between 2019 and 2020, our standardized protocol included routine postop labs after an appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. However, given the lack of predictive utility of these routine labs, we discontinued this practice in 2021. We hypothesize that discontinuing routine postop labs will not be associated with an increase in complication rates after an appendectomy for pediatric perforated appendicitis.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective review of all pediatric appendectomies for perforated appendicitis from January 2019 to December 2021 was conducted at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Data were collected on rate of complications (IAA development, re-admissions, bowel obstructions, superficial surgical site infections, intensive care unit transfers, Clostridium difficile infections, allergic reactions, and transfusions), postop imaging, postop interventions, and length of stay. Statistical analysis was completed using Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients (2019-2020 n = 61, 2021 n = 48) were included in the study. All 61 patients from 2019 to 2020 had postop labs compared to only eight patients in 2021. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in overall complication rates, but there was a decrease in IAAs reported in 2021 (P = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in other complications, postop imaging usage, or postop interventions. The median length of stay was 4.5 d in 2021 compared to 6.0 d in 2019-2020 (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuing routine postop labs is not associated with an increase in overall complications rates. Further studies are needed to determine whether routine postop labs can be safely removed in pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis, which would reduce patient discomfort and care costs.

Intraoperative bacterial cultures fail to reliably predict the bacterial spectrum encountered during infectious complications after appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. Complicated appendicitis usually warrants perioperative antibiotic treatment in order to prevent infectious complications. Whether routine microbiological testing benefits the individual patient is a topic of debate. The goal of our study was to assess perioperative antibiotic prescriptions as well as the benefit of microbiological testing during the appendectomy as a predictor for bacteria encountered in infectious complications. This is a retrospective analysis of 1218 consecutive patients that underwent appendectomy at a tertiary referral center between 2014 and 2021. The patient charts were systematically analyzed regarding intraoperative outcome, microbiologic results, and postoperative infectious complications. 1218 patients were included in this study of which 768 were uncomplicated appendicitis (UA) and 450 were complicated appendicitis (CA). Microbiological testing was performed in 39.2% of UA cases (33.6% of which grew bacteria) compared to 74.9% of CA cases (78.6% positive cultures). The strongest individual predictors for SSI were gangrenous and perforated appendicitis. A total of 58 surgical-site infections developed, of which 49 were intra-abdominal fluid collections or abscesses. Thirty-two patients had revision surgery or CT-guided drainage for SSI. In the cases where microbiological testing was done both during the appendectomy and the SSI, 13/18 showed different bacteria on culture testing. The infectious outcome was favorable in 98.3%. While microbiological testing offers insights into resistance patterns, it is of little benefit for the individual patient, given the low predictive value for bacteria found during SSI. Achieving source control combined with empiric antibiotic coverage leads to favorable outcomes independent of culture results.

Labs Do Not Predict Postoperative Intra-abdominal Abscess in Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

We aim to evaluate the utility of postoperative labs in predicting the development of an intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) in pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis. We hypothesize that postoperative labs are not predictive of IAA development.

METHODS

This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study that included pediatric patients (n = 61) who underwent surgery for perforated appendicitis from January 1, 2019 to December 1, 2020. Patients were stratified into those who developed a postoperative IAA (n = 22) and those who did not (n = 39). Postoperative labs (white blood cell [WBC] count, absolute neutrophil count, platelet count, C-reactive protein) were examined. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were used to assess for differences between groups.

RESULTS

There was extensive heterogeneity and overlap in postoperative lab values between patients who developed an IAA and those who did not. Almost all patients who developed an IAA had clinical signs that were indicative of abscess formation regardless of their postoperative WBC count or change in WBC count. While patients who developed an IAA had a higher postoperative median WBC count (10.8 versus 8.4, P = 0.003) and a smaller WBC count decrease (-4.9 versus -7.4, P = 0.01), no cutoff value for any of the examined lab values specifically predicted abscess formation. Postoperative median absolute neutrophil count (7.4 versus 4.0, P = 0.15), platelet count (360 versus 353, P = 0.98), and C-reactive protein (8.20 versus 5.32, P = 0.06) did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that postoperative labs have limited clinical utility in evaluating IAA development in children with perforated appendicitis.

Drain placement in paediatric complicated appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Children undergoing appendicectomy for complicated appendicitis are at an increased risk of post-operative morbidity. Placement of an intra-peritoneal drain to prevent post-operative complications is controversial. We aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic drain placement to prevent complications in children with complicated appendicitis. A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Cochrane, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to November 2022 for studies directly comparing drain placement to no drain placement in children ≤ 18 years of age undergoing operative treatment of complicated appendicitis. A total of 5108 children with complicated appendicitis were included from 16 studies; 2231 (44%) received a drain. Placement of a drain associated with a significantly increased risk of intra-peritoneal abscess formation (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-2.24, p = 0.004) but there was no significant difference in wound infection rate (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.74-2.88, p = 0.28). Length of stay was significantly longer in the drain group (mean difference 2.02 days, 95% CI 1.14-2.90, p < 0.001). Although the quality and certainty of the available evidence is low, prophylactic drain placement does not prevent intra-peritoneal abscess following appendicectomy in children with complicated appendicitis.

Investigation of Serum Interleukin 6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Levels during the Diagnosis and Treatment of Paediatric Appendicitis Patients Before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction

In this study, we prospectively investigated changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and full white blood cell (WBC) counts during the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric patients with appendicitis. We also investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment processes of paediatric appendicitis patients.

Materials and Methods

A non-perforated appendicitis group (n = 110), a perforated appendicitis group (n = 35) and an appendicitis + COVID-19 group (n = 8) were formed. Blood samples were taken upon admission and every day until the three studied parameters returned to normal values. To investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric appendicitis patients, the perforated appendicitis rates and the times from the onset of the first symptoms to the operation before and during the pandemic were compared.

Results

WBC, IL-6, and hsCRP dropped below the upper limits on the second postoperative day in the non-perforated appendicitis group, four to six days postoperatively in the perforated appendicitis group, and three to six days postoperatively in the appendicitis + COVID-19 group. These parameters were not within normal range in patients who developed complications during follow-up. The time from the onset of abdominal pain to the surgery was significantly longer during than before the pandemic in both the non-perforated appendicitis group and the perforated appendicitis group.

Conclusions

Our results show that WBC, IL-6, and hsCRP are useful laboratory parameters that can complete clinical examinations in the diagnosis of appendicitis in paediatric patients and the identification of complications that may develop postoperatively.

Nationwide management of perforated pediatric appendicitis: Interval versus same-admission appendectomy

PURPOSE

Although conservative management followed by readmission for interval appendectomy is commonly used to manage perforated appendicitis, many studies are limited to individual or noncompeting pediatric hospitals. This study sought to compare national outcomes following interval or same-admission appendectomy in children with perforated appendicitis.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried (2010-2014) for patients <18 years old with perforated appendicitis who underwent appendectomy using ICD9-CM Diagnosis codes. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) utilizing 33 covariates between those with (Interval Appendectomy) and without a prior admission (Same-Admission Appendectomy) was performed to examine postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 63,627 pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis. 1014 (1%) had a prior admission for perforated appendicitis within one calendar year undergoing interval appendectomy compared to 62,613 (99%) Same-Admission appendectomy patients. The Interval Appendectomy group was more likely to receive a laparoscopic (87% vs. 78% same-admission) than open (13% vs. 22% same-admission; p < 0.001) operation. Patients receiving interval appendectomy were more likely to have their laparoscopic procedure converted to open (5% vs. 3%) and receive more concomitant procedures. PSMA demonstrated a higher rate of small bowel obstruction in those receiving Same-Admission appendectomy while all other complications were similar. Although those receiving Interval Appendectomy had a shorter index length of stay (LOS) and lower admission costs, they incurred an additional $8044 [$5341-$13,190] from their prior admission.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with interval appendectomy experienced more concomitant procedures and incurred higher combined hospitalization costs while still having a similar postoperative complication profile compared to those receiving same-admission appendectomy for perforated appendicitis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Comparative Study.

Does the timing of appendectomy affect outcomes and postoperative complications?

PURPOSE

There is controversy about the necessity of nighttime appendectomy. The aim of this study was to determine whether timing of appendectomy performance plays a role on postoperative complications.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center comparative study was performed in children who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis between 2017 and 2021. Patients were divided into groups based on the time slot in which surgery was performed: morning (8:00 h-15:00 h), afternoon (15:00 h-22:00 h) and night (22:00 h-08:00 h). Demographics, intraoperative data, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 1643 patients were included: 337 were operated in the morning, 751 in the afternoon and 555 at night. We found no demographic differences. When comparing the intraoperative data, no differences were observed in the percentage of complicated appendicitis. Night group patients presented a higher percentage of open appendectomies (64.5%) when compared to afternoon (49.6%) and morning (46.2%) groups (p < 0.001). Surgery time was also significantly shorter in the night group (45.2 min ± 18.9 min) (p < 0.001). There were no differences in length of hospital stay, postoperative complications rate or readmission rate.

CONCLUSION

These results show that in our institution time slot in which the appendectomy is performed has no consequences in postoperative outcomes and complications.

Assessing the perioperative timeline and incidence of postoperative complications to optimize care for pediatric surgery patients from Northern Quebec

BACKGROUND

Patients from remote communities often require relocation to urban centres to receive surgical care. This study examines the timeline of care for pediatric surgical patients presenting to the Montreal Children's Hospital from two remote communities in Quebec serving largely Indigenous populations. It aims to identify factors contributing to length of stay, including the incidence of post-operative complications and risk factors for complications.

METHODOLOGY

This was a single-center retrospective study of children from Nunavik and Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James who underwent general or thoracic surgery between 2011 and 2020. Patient characteristics, including risk factors for complications, and any postoperative complications were summarized descriptively. The timeline of the patient's stay from consultation to post-operative follow-up was determined through chart review, identifying the dates and modality of post-operative follow up.

RESULTS

There were 271 eligible cases, including 213 urgent (79.8%) and 54 elective (20.2%) procedures. In total, four patients (1.5%) experienced a postoperative complication at follow-up. All complications occurred among patients who underwent urgent surgery. Three complications (75%) were surgical site infections, managed conservatively. Among patients who underwent elective surgery, 20% waited over 5 days prior to operation The average length of time between discharge and follow-up was one week, regardless of surgical urgency. This was the main contributor to the total time in Montreal.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications identified at one-week follow-up were rare and only seen following urgent surgery, suggesting that telemedicine can safely replace many in-person post-surgical follow up visits. In addition, there is room to improve wait times for those from remote communities by prioritizing displaced patients where possible.

Delayed Surgery for Perforated Appendicitis is Feasible in Children Without Compromising the Outcome in Selected Cases

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The relationship between time to surgery and risk of postoperative complications and re-intervention has not been conclusively investigated in pediatric perforated appendicitis (PA). The aim of this study was to determine whether time to appendectomy (TTA) is a risk factor for postoperative complications and re-intervention in a cohort of children undergoing appendectomy for PA.

METHODS

A total of 254 children (age: 8.7 ± 3.7 years) undergoing appendectomy for PA were retrospectively evaluated and stratified into Group I-III according to the Clavien-Dindo classification for postoperative complications (Group I n = 218, 86%; Group II n = 7, 3%; Group III n = 29, 11%).

RESULTS

The TTA was comparable between all groups (group I: 8.8 ± 9.2 h; group II: 7.8 ± 5.3 h; group III: 9.5 ± 9.6 h; overall: 8.8 ± 9.1 h; p = 0.885). A C-reactive protein (CRP) value at admission of  ≥128.6 mg/l indicated a higher risk for developing Grade II complications with no need for re-intervention (OR: 3.963; 95% CI: 1.810-8.678; p = 0.001) and Grade III complications with the need for re-intervention (OR: 3.346; 95% CI: 1.456-7.690; p = 0.004). This risk was independent of the TTA (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 0.980-1.035; p = 0.613).

CONCLUSIONS

Appendectomy can be delayed by an average time delay of about 9 h in children with PA without increasing the risk of postoperative complications and re-intervention, also in patients at high risk defined by the initial CRP level ≥ 128.6 mg/l. This data may support the correct risk-adjusted scheduling of surgical interventions in times of limited capacity.

Postoperative Outcomes of Patients With Nonperforated Gangrenous Appendicitis: A National Multicenter Prospective Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding the use of postoperative antibiotics for nonperforated gangrenous appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative infectious complications and the effect of postoperative antibiotic use among patients with nonperforated gangrenous appendicitis.

DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study conducted during 2 months.

SETTINGS

A national multicenter observational study was conducted in 62 Dutch hospitals.

PATIENTS

All of the consecutive patients who had surgery for suspected acute appendicitis were included. Patients were excluded if no appendectomy was performed or appendectomy was performed for pathology other than acute appendicitis.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Type of appendicitis was categorized as phlegmonous, gangrenous, or perforated. The primary end point was the rate of infectious complications (intra-abdominal abscess and surgical site infection) within 30 days after appendectomy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of infectious complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1863 patients were included: 1321 (70.9%) with phlegmonous appendicitis, 181 (9.7%) with gangrenous appendicitis, and 361 (19.4%) with perforated appendicitis. Infectious complications were more frequent in patients with gangrenous versus phlegmonous appendicitis (7.2% vs 3.8%; p = 0.03). This association was no longer statistically significant in multivariable analysis (OR = 1.09 (95% CI, 0.49-2.44)). There was no significant difference in infectious complications between ≤24 hours (n = 57) of postoperative antibiotics compared with >24 hours (n = 124; 3.6% vs 8.9%; p = 0.35) in patients with gangrenous appendicitis.

LIMITATIONS

Possible interobserver variability in the intraoperative classification of appendicitis was a study limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with nonperforated gangrenous appendicitis are at higher risk of infectious complications than patients with phlegmonous appendicitis, yet gangrenous disease is not an independent risk factor. Postoperative antibiotic use over 24 hours was not associated with decreased infectious complications. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A1000. RESULTADOS POSTOPERATORIOS DE PACIENTES CON APENDICITIS GANGRENOSA NO PERFORADA: UN ANÁLISIS DE COHORTE PROSPECTIVO MULTICÉNTRICO NACIONAL:: Existe controversia sobre el uso de antibióticos postoperatorios para la apendicitis gangrenosa no perforada.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la tasa de complicaciones infecciosas postoperatorias y el efecto del uso de antibióticos postoperatorios en pacientes con apendicitis gangrenosa no perforada.Estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado durante dos meses.Estudio observacional multicéntrico nacional en 62 hospitales holandeses.Todos los pacientes consecutivos sometidos a cirugía por sospecha de apendicitis aguda. Los pacientes fueron excluidos si no se realizó una apendicectomía o si se realizó una apendicectomía para otra patología que no fuera la apendicitis aguda.El tipo de apendicitis se clasificó como flegmonosa, gangrenosa o perforada. El criterio de valoración primario fue la tasa de complicaciones infecciosas (absceso intraabdominal e infección en el sitio quirúrgico) dentro de los 30 días posteriores a la apendicectomía. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística univariables y multivariables para identificar predictores de complicaciones infecciosas.Se incluyeron un total de 1863 pacientes: 1321 (70,9%) con apendicitis flegmonosa, 181 (9,7%) con apendicitis gangrenosa y 361 (19,4%) con apendicitis perforada. Las complicaciones infecciosas fueron más frecuentes en pacientes con apendicitis gangrenosa frente a flegmonosa (7,2% frente a 3,8%, p = 0,03). Esta asociación ya no fue estadísticamente significativa en el análisis multivariable (OR 1,09; IC del 95%: 0,49 a 2,44). No hubo diferencias significativas en las complicaciones infecciosas entre ≤ 24 h (n = 57) de los antibióticos postoperatorios en comparación con> 24 h (n = 124) (3,6% vs. 8,9%, p = 0,35) en pacientes con apendicitis gangrenosa.Posible variabilidad interobservador en la clasificación intraoperatoria de la apendicitis.Los pacientes con apendicitis gangrenosa no perforada tienen un mayor riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas que los pacientes con apendicitis flegmonosa, aunque la enfermedad gangrenosa no es un factor de riesgo independiente. El uso de antibióticos postoperatorios durante 24 horas no se asoció con una disminución de las complicaciones infecciosas. Vea el Resumen del Video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A1000.

Intraoperative cultures during appendectomy in children are poor predictors of pathogens and resistance patterns in cultures from postoperative abscesses

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative cultures are commonly sent in complicated appendicitis. Culture-guided antibiotics used to prevent postoperative infectious complications are debated. In this study, we describe the microbial overlap between intraoperative and abscess cultures, and antibiotic resistance patterns.

METHOD

A local register of a children's hospital treating children 0-15 years old with appendicitis between 2006 and 2013 was used to find cases with intraoperative cultures, and cultures from drained or aspirated postoperative intraabdominal abscesses. Culture results, administered antibiotics, their nominal coverage of the identified microorganisms, and rationales given for changes in antibiotic regimens were collected from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

In 25 of 35 patients who met inclusion criteria, there was no overlap between the intraoperative and abscess cultures. In 33 of 35 patients, all identified intraoperative organisms were covered with postoperative antibiotics. In 14 patients, organisms in the abscess culture were not covered by administered antibiotics. Enterococci not found in the intraoperative culture were found in 12 of 35 abscesses. We found no difference in the antibiotic coverage between rationales given for antibiotic changes.

CONCLUSION

The overlap between intraoperative cultures and cultures from subsequent abscesses was small. Lack of antibiotic coverage of intraoperative cultures was not an important factor in abscess formation.

Risk stratification in pediatric perforated appendicitis: Prospective correlation with outcomes and resource utilization

PURPOSE

Despite a wide spectrum of severity, perforated appendicitis in children is typically considered a single entity in outcomes studies. We performed a prospective cohort study to define a risk stratification system that correlates with outcomes and resource utilization.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted of all children operated for perforated appendicitis between May 2015 and December 2016 at a tertiary free-standing university children's hospital. Surgical findings were classified into one of four grades of perforation: I. localized or contained perforation, II. Contained abscess with no generalized peritonitis, III. Generalized peritonitis with no dominant abscess, IV. Generalized peritonitis with one or more dominant abscesses. All patients were treated on a clinical pathway that involved all points of care from admission to final follow-up. Outcomes and resource utilization measures were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, One-way ANOVA, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

During the study period, 122 patients completed treatment, and 100% had documented follow-up at a median of 25days after operation. Grades of perforation were: I, 20.5%; II, 37.7%; III, 10.7%; IV, 31.1%. Postoperative abscesses occurred in 12 (9.8%) of patients, almost exclusively in Grade IV perforations. Hospital stay, duration of antibiotics, TPN utilization, and the incidence of postoperative imaging significantly increased with increasing grade of perforation.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes and resource utilization strongly correlate with increasing grade of perforated appendicitis. Postoperative abscesses, additional imaging, and additional invasive procedures occur disproportionately in patients who present with diffuse peritonitis and abscess formation. The current stratification allows risk-adjusted outcome reporting and appropriate assignment of resource burden.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I (Prognosis Study).

Standardization of care for pediatric perforated appendicitis improves outcomes

BACKGROUND

The treatment of perforated appendicitis in children is characterized by significant variability in care, morbidity, resource utilization, and outcomes. We prospectively studied how minimization of care variability affects outcomes.

METHODS

A clinical pathway for perforated appendicitis, in use for three decades, was further standardized in May 2015 by initiation of a disease severity classification, refinement of discharge criteria, standardization of the operation, and establishment of criteria for use of postoperative total parenteral nutrition, imaging, and invasive procedures. Prospective evaluation of all children treated for 20months on the new fully standardized protocol was conducted and compared to a retrospective cohort treated over 58months prior to standardization. Differences between outcomes before and after standardization were analyzed using regression analysis techniques to adjust for disease severity.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time post discharge was 25 and 14days in the post- and prestandardization groups, respectively. Standardization significantly reduced postoperative abscess (9.8% vs. 17.4%, p=0.001) and hospital stay (p=0.002). Standardization reduced the odds of developing a postoperative abscess by four fold.

CONCLUSION

Minimizing variability of care at all points in the treatment of perforated appendicitis significantly improves outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prospective Cohort Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Acute appendicitis in children: can surgery be postponed? Short-term results in a cohort of 225 children

PURPOSE

To our knowledge, there is no German study, which has examined the relationship between a postponement of surgery (from emergency service to standard working time) and the corresponding risk of postoperative complications in children and adolescents with acute appendicitis. The aim of this study is to examine if surgery of acute appendicitis in childhood can be postponed from night shift to the next working day without negative effects for the patient.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis (September 2001 to June 2007), the files of 225 paediatric surgical patients with acute appendicitis have been analysed concerning history, histology, course of treatment and development of complications. The cohort was divided into groups by their histology (common, "A", complicated appendicitis, "B") and by the median time (10 h) from admission to surgery (immediate, "C", delayed surgery, "D"). These groups have been analysed and compared.

RESULTS

Groups A and B did not differ concerning time to admittance (p = 0.922). Seven patients developed complications (n = 7/225, 3.1%). Six complications were seen in group C (n = 6/113, 5.3%) compared to 1 in group D (n = 1/112, 0.9%), the difference was not significant (p = 0.119). None of the patients of group B developed complications after delayed surgery. Median follow-up was 10 days (IQR 7-15).

CONCLUSIONS

In view of the development of complications, there was no evidence that the time between inpatient admission and surgery had any impact on the postoperative result. Thus, there is usually no need to perform surgery in common appendicitis during night shift.

C-reactive protein can be an early predictor of postoperative complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The clinical outcomes for postoperative complications (PCs) after gastrectomy depend on early diagnosis and intensive treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as an early predictor of PCs after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

A total of 334 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer in 2014 were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained preoperatively, and at postoperative days 1 and 4 for the measurement of inflammatory markers (white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet counts, and CRP). Patients were classified into groups of major and minor/no PCs, which were defined as patients with PCs of more than grade III and those with grade I/II or without PCs, respectively, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients developed major PCs. The CRP on postoperative day 4 provided superior diagnostic accuracy in predicting major PCs compared to the other systematic inflammatory markers. Multivariate analysis identified a CRP level of 16.8 mg/dl or greater on postoperative day 4 as a significant predictive factor for major PCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the various systemic inflammatory markers, CRP on postoperative day 4 is the most reliable predictor of PCs after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.