Tratamiento quirúrgico de la apendicitis aguda durante la pandemia: el daño colateral del COVID-19 / Surgical treatment of acute appendicitis in pandemic: COVID -19 collateral damage

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pandemia por COVID-19 generó cambios en el manejo de pacientes con todo tipo de patologías. Mostramos la experiencia respecto de los pacientes con apendicitis aguda (AA) operados en un hospital universitario de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires durante los meses de confina miento y su comparación con el mismo período del año 2019 a fin de evaluar las diferencias. Material y métodos: se analizó en forma retrospectiva una base confeccionada de forma prospectiva. Se compararon pacientes operados de AA, consignando los datos respecto del período preoperatorio, comparando datos inherentes a la cirugía y sus resultados en los períodos marzo-julio de 2019 y 2020. Resultados: fueron incluidos 127 pacientes, 46 de ellos operados durante la pandemia. Los pacientes operados durante la pandemia presentaron mayor incidencia de peritonitis (61,7% vs. 76,1%; p: 0,09) y mayor requerimiento de drenaje abdominal (9,9% vs. 23,9%; p: 0,03). También tuvieron mayor in cidencia de complicaciones (10,9 vs. 4,9%; p: 0,21), reoperaciones (8,7 vs. 1,23%, p: 0,03), reinterna ciones (6,5 vs. 0%, p: 0,02) y requerimiento de antibioticoterapia endovenosa prolongada (6,5 vs. 0%; p: 0,02). La estadía hospitalaria fue mayor para la cohorte operada durante la pandemia: 3,24 días (Desvío estándar [D.E.]: 7,31) vs. 1,89 días (D.E: 2,04). Conclusiones: durante la pandemia por COVID-19, el número de pacientes operados por AA disminuyó con respecto al año 2019; se observaron estadios más avanzados de la enfermedad, mayores compli caciones en el posoperatorio y mayor estadía hospitalaria.

ABSTRACT Background: COVID-19 pandemic has generated changes regarding the management of patients with all kind of pathologies. Here we show the experience concerning the surgical treatment of acute appendicitis (AA) in a teaching hospital in the city of Buenos Aires during the lockdown, and its comparison with the same period of 2019 in order to assess the differences between the timing for consultation, intraoperative findings and the treatment outcome. Material and methods: A prospective database was retrospectively analyzed. We compared patients undergoing surgical treatment for AA in March-July of 2019 v. March-July 2020, taking into account the preoperative period and comparing the outcome regarding the surgical intervention and the impact in the postoperative period between the two groups. Results: 127 patients were included, 46 treated during the pandemic. Patients undergoing surgical treatment during the pandemic had a higher incidence of peritonitis (61.7% vs. 76.1%; p = 0.09) and higher requirement of abdominal drainage (9.9% vs. 23.9%; p = 0.03). There was an increase in the incidence of complications (10.9 vs. 4.9%; p: 0.21), reoperations (8.7 vs. 1.23%, p: 0.03), readmissions (6.5 vs. 0%, p: 0.02) and need for out-patient intravenous antibiotics (6.5 vs. 0%; p: 0.02). The average hospital length was of 1.89 (SD 2.04) and 3.24 (SD 7.31) for the groups operated before and during pandemic, respectively. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients undergoing surgical intervention because of AA decreased compared to the previous year, with increased complications in the postoperative period, higher compromise of the appendix, and longer hospital stay.

Pediatric appendicitis: age does make a difference / Apendicite em pediatria: a idade é importante

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of patient age on the diagnosis and management of appendicitis, as well as to evaluate the rate of complications according to the age group. Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of 1,736 children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in our center between January 2000 and December 2013. Patients were divided in groups taken into account their age: group A were infants, group B were preschoolers, group C were those ones older than five years old, and group D were those ones younger than five years old. A p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We found higher incidence of misdiagnosis and atypical symptoms in the youngest patients. The rate of perforation was similar between group A and B (p=0.17). However, it was higher in group D than in group C (p<0.0001). The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the youngest patients too (p=0.0002). Conclusions: The age does make a difference in acute appendicitis. Because of its unusual presentation in children younger than five years old, it is often misdiagnosed, which leads to an increased morbidity. Although clinical presentation varies between infants and preschoolers, no statistically significant differences were observed in the rate of perforated appendix or postoperative complications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a influência da idade do paciente no diagnóstico e tratamento de apendicite, bem como avaliar a frequência de complicações dependendo da faixa etária. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos 1.736 pacientes pediátricos que foram submetidos à apendicectomia laparoscópica em nosso hospital de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2013. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos de acordo com sua idade: grupo A eram crianças, grupo B eram pré-escolares, grupo C eram maiores de cinco anos de idade e grupo D eram menores de cinco anos de idade. Considerou-se estatisticamente significante p-valor <0,05. Resultados: Encontramos maior incidência de diagnóstico incorreto e sintomas atípicos em pacientes mais novos. A taxa de perfuração foi semelhante entre os grupos A e B (p=0.17); foi maior, porém, no grupo D que no grupo C (p<0.0001). A incidência de complicações no pós-operatório também foi maior em pacientes mais novos (p=0.0002). Conclusões: A idade faz diferença em casos de apendicite aguda. Por causa da sua apresentação rara em crianças menores de cinco anos, é frequentemente diagnosticada incorretamente, o que aumenta a morbidade. Apesar de sua apresentação clínica variar entre lactentes e pré-escolares, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na proporção de apêndices perfurados nem na de complicações pós-operatórias.

Diagnóstico de la apendicitis y su variación en el tiempo / Diagnosis of acute appendicitis: variation in time

OBJETIVOS: El uso de la tecnología ha transformado gradualmente el diagnóstico de la apendicitis, el cual continúa siendo un reto diagnóstico. Los objetivos de nuestro estudio fueron a) Describir la variación del diagnóstico de apendicitis en el tiempo y b) Evaluar las tasas de apendicectomías en blanco con el uso de diferentes medios diagnósticos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de base de datos. Descripción de la variación del diagnóstico de la apendicitis en el tiempo de 1.645 pacientes llevados a apendicectomía en una clínica de Bogotá de enero de 2011 a diciembre de 2016. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la tasa de apendicectomías en blanco con los diferentes métodos diagnósticos. RESULTADOS: El diagnóstico por hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos disminuyó, a la vez que el diagnóstico por tomografía se incrementó. La tasa de apendicectomías en blanco con el diagnóstico clínico fue 14,5%, mientras que con el uso de ecografía y tomografía fue 7,5% y 5,3% respectivamente. El número de apendicectomías disminuyó de 362 a 215 en seis años. Discusión: La disponibilidad de tecnología, su fácil realización y uso deliberado en urgencias, han transformado el diagnóstico de apendicitis, disminuyendo el número de pacientes operados y las apendicectomías en blanco. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que, el uso de tomografía abdominal ha incrementado con el tiempo, disminuyendo el diagnóstico por hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos; el número de apendicectomías en blanco es menor con el uso de la ecografía y la tomografía.

BACKGROUND: Technology changed progresively diagnosis of appendicitis, who is a challenge. The aims of our study were to a) Describe the variation of the diagnosis of appendicitis over time and b) Evaluate the rate of negative appendectomies with the use of different diagnostic tools. METHODS: Retrospective database review. Description of the variation of the diagnosis of appendicitis in time of 1645 patients in whom an appendectomy was performed in a health institution in Bogota from January 2011 to December 2016. In adition, The rate of negative appendectomy was also evaluated with the use of different diagnostic tools. RESULTS: The number of patients diagnosed by the clinical and ultrasound findings decreased in time, while the diagnosis by tomography increased. The rate of negative appendectomies with clinical evaluation was 14.5%, abdominal ultrasound 75% and tomography 5.3%. The number of appendectomies decreased from 362 to 215 in six years. DISCUSSION: The availability of technology, its easy realization and deliberate use in the emergency room, have gradually transformed the diagnosis of appendicitis, decreasing the number of patients operated and the rate of negative appendectomies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a) the use of tomography has increased in time, decreasing the diagnosis of clinical and ultrasound findings, and b) the number of negative appendectomies was lower with the use of ultrasound and tomography.

Impact of the appendiceal position on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric appendicitis / Impacto da posição do apêndice sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento de apendicite da infância

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate how symptoms vary according to the appendiceal position in pediatric patients and to demonstrate that the laparoscopic approach is safe and effective in any appendiceal location by comparing each location to another. Methods: The medical records of 1,736 children aged 14 or younger who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy over a period of 14 years were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided according to the position of the appendiceal tip into four groups: anterior, pelvic, retrocecal and subhepatic. The Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used with the Bonferroni correction, with a significant p<0.05. Results: The appendiceal location was anterior in 1,366 cases, retrocecal in 248 cases, pelvic in 66 cases and subhepatic in 56 cases. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of patient age and gender. Abdominal pain was the only symptom with statistically significant differences between the groups. The rate of perforated appendicitis was higher in the subhepatic and pelvic positions. Intraoperative complications and conversions were not statistically significant. Technical difficulties and operative time were higher in subhepatic position. The rate of postoperative complications was similar between the different locations, except for bowel obstruction, which was higher in pelvic appendicitis. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of appendicitis hardly ever change with the position of the appendix. The laparoscopic approach is safe and effective, regardless the appendiceal location.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar como os sintomas variam de acordo com a posição do apêndice em pacientes pediátricos e demonstrar que a laparoscopia é segura e eficaz em qualquer posição do apêndice, comparando-as. Métodos: Os prontuários de 1.736 pacientes pediátricos com idade ≤14 anos submetidos à apendicectomia laparoscópica em um período de 14 anos foram analisados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a posição do apêndice: anterior, pélvica, retrocecal e sub-hepático. Os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e do qui-quadrado foram usados com a correção de Bonferroni, sendo significante p<0,05. Resultados: A posição do apêndice era anterior em 1.366 casos, retrocecal em 248 casos, pélvica em 66 casos e sub-hepática em 56 casos. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto às variáveis idade e sexo. A dor abdominal foi a única variável com diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos. A taxa de apêndice perfurado foi superior nas posições sub-hepática e pélvica. As complicações intraoperatórias e a taxa de conversão não foram estatisticamente significativas. As dificuldades técnicas e o tempo cirúrgico foram superiores em posição sub-hepática. A taxa de complicações pós-operatórias foi semelhante entre as diferentes posições, exceto a obstrução intestinal, que foi superior em posição pélvica. Conclusões: Os sintomas da apendicite dificilmente variam com a posição do apêndice. A laparoscopia é segura e eficaz, independentemente da posição do apêndice.

Incidencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico y cumplimiento de prácticas de prevención en apendicectomía y cirugía herniaria / Incidence of the surgical infection site and fulfillment of preventive practices in appendicectomy and hernial surgery

Introducción: La vigilancia de infección del sitio quirúrgico en procederes quirúrgicos frecuentes es esencial para su prevención. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico y el cumplimiento de las prácticas de prevención en apendicectomía y cirugía de hernia. Método: Estudio descriptivo de pacientes intervenidos de estos procederes desde enero 2017 hasta marzo 2018 en Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Universitario Joaquín Albarrán. La Habana, Cuba. Se recolectó información de las características demográficas de los pacientes, los procederes y el CPP (profilaxis antibiótica, normoglicemia, normotermia y eliminación del pelo). Se utilizaron técnicas de vigilancia durante el ingreso y posterior al egreso para identificar los pacientes con infección del sitio quirúrgico. Se calculó la tasa total de infección del sitio quirúrgico y según índice de riesgo (por cada100 procederes quirúrgicos), para cada proceder y el CPP por cada 100 procederes quirúrgicos. Resultados: Se evaluaron 174 pacientes con apendicectomía y 389 de cirugía de hernia, con tasas de infección de 13,8 por ciento y 5,7 por ciento, respectivamente. El cumplimiento del tiempo de administración del antibiótico profiláctico, la selección y dosis, y la discontinuación fueron respectivamente de 53,3 por ciento, 83,3 por ciento y 80,0 por ciento, en apendicectomía, y de 46,3 por ciento, 72,9 por ciento y 63 por ciento, en cirugía de hernia. La normotermia fue alcanzada en 32,4 por ciento y 27,1 por ciento de los casos. La mayoría de los pacientes con infección del sitio quirúrgico fueron diagnosticados utilizando métodos de vigilancia posterior al egreso. Conclusión: Se ha identificado la incidencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico y brechas en el cumplimiento de las prácticas de prevención que requieren acciones correctivas, que incluyan fortalecimiento del sistema de vigilancia y capacitación de los profesionales(AU)

Introduction: Surveillance of the surgical site infection in frequent surgical procedures is essential for its prevention. Objective: To determine the incidence of surgical site infection and the fulfillment of prevention practices in appendicectomy and hernial surgery. Method: Descriptive study of patients operated on by these procedures from January 2017 to March 2018 in "Joaquin Albarran" clinical, surgical and university hospital in Havana, Cuba. Data on demographic characteristics of patients, the types of procedures and the CPP (antibiotic prophylaxis, normoglycemia, normothermia and hair removal) were collected. The use of surveillance techniques during hospitalization and after discharge allowed identifying the patients with surgical site infection. The total surgical site infection rate and the risk index (per 100 surgical procedures) for each procedure and the CPP per 100 surgical procedures were all estimated. Results: One hundred and seventy-four patients with appendicectomy and 389 with hernial surgery were evaluated and their infection rates were 13.8 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively. The compliance with the time of administration of prophylactic antibiotic, selection and dosage, and discontinuation of treatment were 53.3 percent, 83.3 percent and 80 percent, respectively in appendicectomy where those of hernial surgery were 46.3 percent,72.9 and 63 percent, respectively. Normothermia was reached in 32.4 percent and 27.1 percent of cases. Most of the patients with surgical site infection were diagnosed by using the surveillance methods after discharge from hospital. Conclusions: The incidence of the surgical site infection and gaps in the fulfillment of prevention practices has been identified, which require corrective actions including strengthening of the surveillance system and professional training(AU)

Apendicetomía no terapéutica: revisión de 1 año en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Montevideo, Uruguay / Non-therapeutic appendectomy: 1-year review at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, Montevideo, Uruguay / Apendicectomia não terapêutica: revisão de 1 ano no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Objetivos: La apendicitis aguda es una de las patologías quirúrgicas más frecuentes en pediatría y la apendicectomía un procedimiento históricamente probado para su tratamiento. Sin embargo, se ha llamado la atención sobre la morbilidad y costos que implican los casos de apendicectomías no terapéuticas (ANT). Realizamos un estudio para determinar la proporción de ANT en nuestro hospital, analizar sus características y plantear hipótesis de trabajo que nos permitan disminuir su incidencia. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo incluyendo todos los pacientes que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente desde el 1/1/13 hasta el 31/12/13 con diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de apendicitis aguda, en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, la vía de abordaje, los hallazgos intra-operatorios, el diagnóstico anátomo-patológico y el uso y los resultados del hemograma y la ecografía. Resultados: En el período mencionado se realizaron 287 apendicectomías en pacientes con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, de los cuales 146 (50,87%) fueron operados por medio de un abordaje convencional y 141 (49,13%) por abordaje laparoscópico. El índice de ANT fue de 10,1% siendo similares las tasas para ambas vías de abordaje (10,27% convencional vs 9,92% laparoscópica). Por otra parte, se evidenció una mayor incidencia de ANT en el sexo femenino (16,6% vs 5,8%). Respecto a la franja etaria, la tasa de ANT fue mayor entre los pacientes de 11-15 años(12,19%), mientras que para las edades comprendidas entre 6-10 años fue de 8,08% y para los pacientes de 0-5 años fue de 4,16%. De los 29 pacientes que presentaron apéndice sano, 12 presentaban adenitis mesentérica, una paciente presentaba una rotura folicular y una paciente presentaba una peritonitis de causa médica. En 15 pacientes no se encontraron otras alteraciones. Conclusiones: El índice de apendicectomías no terapéuticas en nuestro hospital fue del 10,10% en el año 2013. La experiencia internacional y algunos trabajos nacionales demuestran que este resultado es mejorable. Se plantea la utilización de algoritmos clínicos para mejorar la presunción diagnóstica y hacer el mejor uso de los recursos diagnósticos disponibles, así como la instauración de un sistema de registro y análisis prospectivo de los resultados clínicos en apendicitis aguda.

Objectives: Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent pediatric surgical diseases and appendectomy is a historically proved treatment. However, attention has been directed at morbidity and costs of negative appendectomy (NA). Here we analyze the incidence of NA at our hospital and its characteristics in order to propose a working hypothesis that allows a decrease in its incidence. Methods: A retrospective analysis including all patients who underwent surgery from 01/01/13 to 31/12/13, with presumptive clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, in the Pediatric Hospital of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, was done. Age, sex, surgical approach, operative findings, pathologic diagnosis and the use and results of laboratory and ultrasound, were analyzed. Results: In the referred period, appendectomies were performed in 287 patients with diagnosis of acute appendicitis, of which 146 (50.87%) were operated by a conventional approach and 141 (49.13%) by laparoscopic approach. The NA were 10.10%, with similar rates for both approaches (10.27% vs 9.92%, conventionalvs laparoscopic).A higher incidence of of NA was evident in girls, (16,6% vs 5,8% conventionalvs. laparoscopic ).With respect to the age group, the rate of NA was higher among 11-15 years old patients (12,19%), while for those aged between 6-10 years it was 8.08 % and for patients aged 0-5 years it was 4.16%. Of the 29 patients who had a healthy appendix, 12 had mesenteric adenitis, one patient had a follicular rupture and other had a medical peritonitis. In 15 patients no other abnormalities were found. Conclusions: The NA rate at our Hospital was 10.10% during 2013. The international experience and some national works prove that this result is improvable. We propose the utilization of clinical scores in order to improve clinical diagnostic and rational use of ancillary resources and the installation of a prospective registry and analysis system of results in acute appendicitis.

Objetivos: A apendicite aguda é uma das patologias cirúrgicas mais frequentes em pediatria e apendicectomia, um procedimento historicamente comprovado para seu tratamento. Entretanto, a atenção e a morbidade e os custos envolvidos em casos de apendicectomias não terapêuticas (ANT) chamaram a atenção. Realizamos um estudo para determinar a proporção de ANT em nosso hospital, analisamos suas características e propomos hipóteses de trabalho que nos permitem reduzir sua incidência. Métodos: Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva, incluindo todos os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de 1/1/13 a 12/31/13 com diagnóstico clínico presumível de apendicite aguda no Hospital Pediátrico do Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell. Analisamos a idade, sexo, abordagem, achados intra-operatórios, diagnóstico anatomopatológico e o uso e resultados de hemograma e ultra-som. Resultados: no período mencionado, foram realizadas 287 apendicectomias em pacientes com apendicite aguda, dos quais 146 (50,87%) foram operados por abordagem convencional e 141 (49,13%) por abordagem laparoscópica. O índice ANT foi de 10,1% com taxas semelhantes para ambas as abordagens (10,27% versus 9,92% laparoscópicas). Por outro lado, houve maior incidência de ANT no sexo feminino (16,6% vs 5,8%). Em relação à faixa etária, a taxa de ANT foi maior entre os pacientes com idades entre 11-15 anos (12,19%), enquanto que para as idades 6-10 anos foi de 8,08% e para pacientes de 0 -5 anos foi de 4,16%. Dos 29 pacientes com apêndice saudável, 12 apresentavam adenite mesentérica, um paciente apresentava ruptura folicular e um paciente apresentava peritonite de grau médico. Não foram encontradas outras alterações em 15 pacientes. Conclusões: A taxa de apendicectomias não terapêuticas em nosso hospital foi de 10,10% no ano de 2013. A experiência internacional e alguns estudos nacionais mostram que esse resultado pode ser melhorado. O uso de algoritmos clínicos para melhorar a presunção diagnóstica e fazer o melhor uso dos recursos diagnósticos disponíveis, bem como o estabelecimento de um sistema de registro e análise prospectiva dos resultados clínicos em apendicite aguda.

Trombosis venosa mesentérica: Reporte de caso / Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis: Case Report

La trombosis de la vena mesentérica superior, es una patología del grupo de las isquemias intestinales agudas; de sintomatología inespecífica y dificil diagnóstico. Que tiene baja frecuencia 5-10% de las isquemias intestinales agudas; pero una gran mortalidad 50-75%. Presenta síntomas y signos parecidos a otras patologías de origen abdominal y los estudios complementarios dan resultados inespecíficos por lo que se diagnostica tardía y erróneamente en muchas ocasiones. Caso clínico. Se analiza el caso de un paciente masculino de 27 años, sin antecedentes de relevancia, con isquemia mesentérica aguda, que cursó con dolor abdominal inespecífico de 2 días de evolución. Discusión. La isquemia mesentérica es una patología con elevada mortalidad, su pronóstco depende de la rapidez del diagnóstco y el tratamiento acertado y precoz. Conclusión. El retraso del diagnóstico y la terapéutica aumentan la mortalidad. Tiene mejor pronóstico si tiene un precoz y adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento agresivo.

Upper mesenteric vein thrombosis is a disease of acute intestinal ischemia; of non-specific symptoms and dificult diagnosis. It has low incidence, 5-10% of acute intestinal ischemia; but 50-75% of mortality. It presents symptoms and signs similar to other pathologies of abdominal origin and the complementary studies give unspecific results for what is a late diagnosis and erroneous in many occasions. We present the case of a 27 year old male patent, with no relevant history, with acute mesenteric ischemia, who had 2 days of non- specific abdominal pain. Mesenteric ischemia is a disease with high mortality rate, its prognosis depends on the timing of diagnosis and early treatment. Delayed diagnosis and therapy increases mortality.

La aplicación del Score de Alvarado en la sospecha de la apendicitis aguda. Estudio prospectivo y protocolizado / APPLICATION OF A CLINICAL SCORE SYSTEM ( ALVARADO´S SCORE ) FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS

Antecedentes: La apendicitis aguda no sospechada y diagnosticada puede evolucionar hacia la perforación o por el contrario conduce a la remoción de un apéndice normal. Objetivo: La utilización de un sistema de Score, desde un punto de vista clínico, para el diagnóstico de esta patología y lograr disminuir las apendicetomías negativas. Lugar de Aplicación: Hospital Nacional de Clínicas. Córdoba. (Argentina) Diseño: Estudio prospectivo y protocolizado. Material y Métodos: Comprende a 1119 pacientes estudiados entre agosto del 2000 y diciembre del 2015. De ellos, 588 eran del sexo masculino y 531 del femenino, con una edad promedio de 25,3 años de edad. A todos los pacientes se les realizo al ingreso el Score de Alvarado. En base a la clínica y a una segunda valoración con el Score se decidió la exploración quirúrgica en 1061 pacientes (94,8 %). De los 58 restantes (5,18 %), fueron excluidos por otra patología. El diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda fue confirmado por los hallazgos quirúrgicos y la anatomía patológica. Resultados: En los hallazgos operatorios se encontró en 962 pacientes (90,6%) que tenían una apendicitis aguda. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. En relación a la morbilidad hubo un 2,2% de complicaciones médicas y un 16,3% de las quirúrgicas. El informe anatomopatológico mostró en 99 pacientes un apéndice cecal normal. Por lo tanto la incidencia de las apendicetomías negativas fue del 9,3 %. Conclusiones: La utilización del Score en relación a los hallazgos quirúrgicos y anatomopatológicos confirma que fue sensible a partir de 6 puntos para el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda.

Background: Acute appendicitis neither suspected nor diagnosed could develop a perforation or otherwise it would take to removing of a normal appendix. Objectives: Utilization of a clinical score system for aided diagnosis of this pathology and can reduce a negative appendicitis. Setting: National Clinicas Hospital. Córdoba. Argentina. Design: Prospective and protocoled study. Methods: 1119 patients were studied between August 2000 and December 2015. 588 males and 531 females their age average was 25.3 years. Alvarado score was realized in all patients when they entered. According clinic and second valuation with the score surgical exploration was decided in 1061 (94,8 %) patients. The remaining 58 (5,18 %) were excluded due to other pathology. The diagnosis in acute appendicitis was confirmed by surgical finding and histopathology studies. Results: In surgical finding we showed 962 patients (90,6%) had acute appendicitis. There was no operative mortality. Respects morbidity there was 2,2 % of medical and 16,3 % of surgical complications. The anatomo pathology report showed a normal cecal appendix in 99. Whereas the incidence of negative appendicectomy was about 9,3 %. Conclusions: The utilization of score related to the surgical and anatomo pathology finding confirmed it was appreciable from 6 points to acute appendicitis diagnosis.

Tumores malignos del apéndice cecal en pacientes operados por apendicitis en la IV Región de Chile / Malignant appendicular tumors

Background: The most common malignant appendicular neoplasm is the neuroendocrine well-differentiated tumor (NET). Other malignant tumors are uncommon, reported with a frequency of 0.2 percent of all appendectomies. Aim: To describe the characteristics of appendiceal malignant tumors found in regional hospitals of Northern Chile. Material and Methods: All patients operated for acute appendicitis between 2005 and 2011, in which a malignant appendiceal tumor was found in the pathological study, were analyzed. Clinical and survival information was obtained from medical records and national death registries. Results: We analyzed 8.972 appendectomy records. Appendicular tumors were found in 40 patients (0.4 percent). Thirty patients (0.3 percent) had malignant tumors. NET was the most common tumor found in 19 patients (63 percent). The tumor was smaller than 1 cm in 16 cases (53 percent). In 5 patients (17 percent), the tumor was larger than 2 cm with the appendicular base infiltrated by malignant cells. Most patients (83 percent) presented with stage I tumors. In 23 patients (77 percent, the appendectomy was considered sufficient and definitive treatment. Conclusions: In this series of patients, appendicular tumors had similar characteristics to those reported abroad. All patients had a favorable evolution without associated mortality or tumor relapse...

Introducción: El tumor apendicular maligno encontrado con mayor frecuencia es el tumor neuroendocrino bien diferenciado (NET). Otros tumores malignos se reportan con una frecuencia menor a 0,2 por ciento de todas las apendicectomías. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir las características de los tumores malignos del apéndice en la IV Región de Chile. Material y Método: Se estudió una cohorte histórica constituida por pacientes operados en los hospitales de La Serena, Coquimbo y Ovalle entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2011. Los resultados se reportan mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se estudiaron 8.972 apendicectomías. En 40 pacientes (0,4 por ciento) se diagnosticaron tumores apendiculares de los cuales 30 (0,3 por ciento) fueron malignos y fueron incluidos en este análisis. El tipo histológico maligno más frecuente fue el NET en 19 casos (63 por ciento). En 16 casos (53 por ciento) el tumor fue menor a 1 cm. En 5 casos (17 por ciento) el tumor fue mayor a 2 cm con compromiso de la base. La mayoría de los pacientes (83 por ciento) se presentaron con tumores en estadio I y los demás con tumores en estadio II. En 23 pacientes (77 por ciento) la apendicectomía fue considerada como el tratamiento definitivo. Conclusiones: Las características generales de los tumores malignos del apéndice en los pacientes operados por apendicitis en la IV Región de Chile son similares a las características reportadas en series nacionales e internacionales. En la presente cohorte, los pacientes tuvieron una evolución favorable sin mortalidad asociada al tumor y sin recurrencias conocidas hasta la fecha actual...

Avoiding negative appendectomies in rural surgical practice: Is C-reactive protein estimation useful as a diagnostic tool.

Background. Appendectomy is one of the most frequently performed abdominal operations in rural surgical practice. In spite of various preoperative investigations to aid in the diagnosis, the rate of negative appendectomies is 15%–30%. Qualitative C-reactive protein (CRP) estimation is an inexpensive diagnostic test which can be done in small laboratories using a simple kit. We studied the value of estimating the CRP level in diagnosing acute appendicitis and reducing negative appendectomies. Methods. Patients who had been clinically diagnosed with acute appendicitis and planned for appendectomy, were selected by purposive sampling. Leucocyte counts, CRP level estimation and ultrasonography of the abdomen were done preoperatively. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, diagnostic accuracy, false-positive and false-negative rates, and likelihood ratios were calculated for various components of the diagnosis. Results. Of the 238 patients, 193 had histological evidence of acute appendicitis. When the diagnosis was based on the consultant’s decision, the overall negative appendectomy rate was 18.9%. CRP level estimation yielded a sensitivity of 98% (95% CI 95%–100%) and specificity of 87% (95% CI 73%–94%). A positive CRP value was associated with acute appendicitis (p<0.0001). Adding CRP to the diagnostic work-up increased the sensitivity to 100% (95% CI 98%– 100%) and diagnostic accuracy to 92% (95% CI 87%– 95%), and would have reduced negative explorations to 3%. Conclusion. CRP estimation complements the clinical diagnosis by a consultant surgeon, and should be included in the diagnostic work-up of appendicitis. CRP estimation is inexpensive and does not add an undue burden to the cost of management.

Tumores apendiculares en 6.093 apendicectomías de urgencias: sobrevida a 5 años / Appendiceal malignant tumors among patients with acute appendicitis

Background: Acute appendicitis can be the first manifestation of an appendiceal tumor. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of appendiceal tumors among patients operated for acute appendicitis. Material and Methods: All patients operated for acute appendicitis between 1998 and 2008 and whose appendix had a pathological study were included. Survival was calculated using national death register databases. Results: Data from 6.093 patients was analyzed. A malignant tumor was found in 17 patients (0.3 percent). Eleven patients aged 23 +/- 14 years had a carcinoid tumor, that was more commonly located distally, five patients aged 66 +/-18 years had an adenocarcinoma, that was more commonly located proximally, and one patient had a non Hodgkin lymphoma. Curative surgery was carried out in all carcinoid tumors and 40 percent of adenocarcinomas. No patient had regional lymph node involvement. Five years survival of patients with carcinoid tumors was 100 percent. Conclusions: The finding of malignant tumor among patients with acute appendicitis is uncommon.

Introducción: Al enfrentarnos a un paciente con apendicitis aguda, pocas veces pensamos que puede ser la primera manifestación de un cáncer apendicular. Objetivo: Describir el número de casos nuevos de cáncer apendicular en las apendicectomías de urgencia en el Hospital Base Osorno (HBO) durante los años 1998-2008. Material y Métodos: Serie de casos. Se incluyeron pacientes operados por abdomen agudo en el servicio de urgencia del HBO, que en cuyo informe anatomopatológico de la biopsia diferida se informara cáncer apendicular, entre los años 1998 y 2008. Se excluyeron pacientes en los que el apéndice estaba comprometido por contigüidad. Algunas variables incluidas: edad, sexo, diagnóstico preoperatorio, tipo de cirugía, resección completa tumoral, reintervención, características histoanatomopatológicas, terapia adyuvante. Descripción de variables en porcentajes, medias o medianas. Curvas de sobrevida: Kaplan Meier. Programa estadístico Stata 10.0. Resultados: Se analizaron 6.093 pacientes. Se encontró un cáncer en el 0,28 por ciento (17 pacientes) de los casos. 11 (64 por ciento) fueron carcinoides, 5 (29 por ciento) adenocarcinomas y 1 (6 por ciento) linfoma no Hodgkin. Edad promedio 23,45 (DS +/- 14,45) años en los carcinoidesy 65,75 (DS +/- 18,46) en los adenocarcmomas. En los carcinoides predominó el sexo femenino, contrario a lo sucedido en los adenocarcmomas. Se practicó cirugía curativa al 100 por ciento de los carcinoides y al 40 por ciento de los adenocarcinomas. Ubicación más frecuente: Carcinoides en tercio distal y adenocarcinoma en tercio proximal. Ningún tumor tuvo linfonodos comprometidos. 100 por ciento de sobrevida a 5 años en carcinoides. Conclusiones: El número de casos nuevos de cáncer en una apendicitis aguda es bajo. En los carcinoides, la sobrevida a 5 años es alta.

Tumor carcinoide na extremidade distal do apêndice no serviço de cirurgia da Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre / Carcinoid tumor in the distal end of the appendix in the general surgery unit of ISCMPA

Introdução: Este artigo descreve os resultados de uma coorte retrospectiva dos pacientes da ISCMPA, discutindo as características do tumor carcinoide quando localizado no apêndice. Métodos: Foram revisados os registros do banco de dados do Serviço de Patologia da ISCMPA de todas as apendicectomias realizadas entre 2000 e 2007 com posterior revisão manual dos registros de cada paciente. Resultados: Foram identificadas 3.730 apendicetomias. A prevalência de tumores carcinoides foi 0,4%. A idade mediana do paciente ao diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide foi de 26 anos, com uma distância interquartil de 20 anos. O sexo mais acometido foi o masculino. Em 46,67% dos casos, a extremidade distal foi o local do tumor e em 40% dos casos o tumor ultrapassou a camada serosa. Conclusões: Houve dificuldades em se definir claramente se as alterações no apêndice identificadas no transoperatório correspondiam a tumor carcinoide. A congelação no transoperatório ajudou a definir o tipo de tratamento cirúrgico mais adequado e a identificar metástases de outras patologias sistêmicas

Introduction: This paper describes the results of a retrospective cohort of patients of the ISCMPA, discussing the features of carcinoid tumors occurring in the appendix. Methods: We searched the database of the ISCMPA Department of Pathology for all the records of appendectomies performed between 2000 and 2007, with subsequent manual review of individual patient records. Results: 3,730 appendectomies were identified. The prevalence of carcinoid tumors was 0.4%. The median age at diagnosis of carcinoid tumor was 26 years with an interquartile range of 20 years. Males were more affected than females. In 46.67% of the cases the distal end was the site of the tumor and in 40% the tumor exceeded the serosa layer. Conclusions: There were difficulties in clearly defining if the changes in the appendix identified during surgery corresponded to a carcinoid tumor. Transoperative freezing helped determine the most appropriate type of surgical approach and identify metastases of other systemic diseases

Apendicectomías negativas: ¿aumenta su incidencia con la cirugía laparoscópica? / Apendicectomías negative: does it increase his incidence with the laparoscópica surgery?

Antecedentes: Es conocido que el diagnóstico certero de la apendicitis sigue siendo un desafío en no pocas oportunidades. La introducción progresiva de la ecografía, la tomografía computada y la laparoscopia ha acortado el período diagnóstico en los casos dudosos y mejorado la frecuencia de diagnósticos positivos. Sin embargo, se ha sugerido que la incidencia de apendicectomías negativas (AN) es mayor con la cirugía laparoscópica. Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de AN en un Servicio que utiliza la técnica laparoscópica de elección. Lugar: Hospital Privado de Comunidad. Diseño: Registro prospectivo, análisis retrospectivo. Población: 901 apendicectomías realizadas entre junio de 1998 y junio de 2007. Método: Análisis de los casos con apendicectomías efectuadas en apéndices considerados normales en la intervención, sin otra patología intrabdominal. Se registraron los datos poblacionales, el cuadro clínico, la leucocitosis, los estudios por imágenes realizados, el informe anatomopatológico de la pieza y los resultados operatorios. Resultados:Se analizaron 901 apendicectomía, 57 por vía abierta y 844 por vía laparoscópica, 92 fueron por apendicitis perforadas (10,2) En 42 oportunidades el cirujano extirpó el apéndice por vía laparoscópica pensando que podía ser normal (4,97 de las 844) al no encontrar otra patología asociada. El estudio anatomopatológico mostró evidencias de unflamación apendicular en 6 casos (14,3 de las 42) Hubo un solo caso de morbilidad que requirió reinternación por dolor abdominal que cedió espontáneamente. El análisis del impacto de los estudios preoperatorios en el diagnóstico mostró que hubo 12 AN en pacientes con sólo dolor en fosa ilíaca derecha. Conclusiones: Tuvimos una baja incidencia de apendicectomías laparoscópicas negativas (4,97), comparándola con series de apendicetomías abiertas como laparoscópicas, lo que muestra que la laparoscópica en la sospecha de apendicitis no eleva la cifra de AN si está correctamente indicada.

Modified alvarado scoring system in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Appendectomy is a common emergency procedure. Negative appendectomy rate is up to 33%. As it is associated with the risks of anesthesia like any operation, it should be avoided where possible. Modified Alvarado score is one of the probable ways to reduce this rate. Our objective of the study was to evaluate its value in reducing the percentage of the negative appendectomy. A non randomized controlled trial was conducted at Emergency Department of DHQ Hospital Faisalabad over the period of 6 months. 60 patients were divided into two groups. In group A, 1st consecutive 30 patients were included who had indication for appendectomy based on the choice of the surgeon while in group, B 30 patients having indication for appendectomy based on modified Alvarado score 7 or more were included. Surgically removed appendix was evaluated by histopathology for the presence or absence of inflammation. Both groups were compared for the percentage of the negative appendectomy. In group A, overall negative appendectomy rate was 20% while gender based negative appendectomy rate was 28.5% in Females and 12% in males. In group B overall negative appendectomy rate was 14% while gender based negative appendectomy rate was l7.6% in females and 7.6% in males. Over all reduction through modified Alvarado score was insignificant [chi-square 0.480, df 1, p value 0.488]. Similarly, statistically significant reduction could not be found both in female [chi-square 0.524, df 1, p value 0.469] and male [chi-square 0.179, df 1, p value 0.672] groups. Modified Alvarado score is not helpful in significant reduction of the over all percentage of the negative appendectomy. Similarly, statistically significant reduction could not be found both in female and male groups. Further methods of evaluation should be used especially in females

O valor da ultra-sonografia no diagnóstico da apendicite aguda / The role of the ultra-sonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Apendicite aguda é a causa mais comum de abdome agudo e o principal motivo de cirurgia abdominal de emergência. É diagnosticada com base na avaliação clínica, contagem de leucócitos e exames de imagem. O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar a ultra-sonografia como método complementar em casos suspeitos de apendicite aguda, comparando-a com o resultado do anatomopatológico. Revisamos prontuários dos 320 pacientes submetidos a apendicectomias, no Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2006, analisando-se a impressão diagnóstica definida pelo ultra-sonografista e o resultado do exame anatomopatológico. No total, 251 pacientes (78,4%) foram submetidos ao ultra-som no pré-operatório. Destes, 216 pacientes foram diagnosticados com apendicite aguda, pelo exame anatomopatológico. Em 170 pacientes (78,70%) a ecografia abdominal sugeriu o diagnóstico de apendicite aguda, em 21 casos (9,72%) o exame não foi sugestivo e em 25 casos (11,57%) houve dúvida diagnóstica. A sensibilidade verificada do ultra-som foi de 78%, enquanto que a especificidade foi de 42%. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 89,47% e o negativo de 24,59%. A acurácia calculada foi de 73,70%. Excluindo a dúvida, sensibilidade da ecografia foi de 89%, a especificidade de 35%. Valores preditivos positivo e negativo foram, respectivamente, de 89,47% e 34,37%. A acurácia foi de 81,53%. Concluímos que a ultra-sonografia mostra-se como uma importante ferramenta no diagnóstico da apendicite aguda e um excelente método para o diagnóstico diferencial dos quadros sindrômicos da fossa ilíaca direita. Contudo, não se devem substituir as rotinas de anamnese e exame físico para estabelecer o diagnóstico

Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal inflammatory disease and it is the main reason for emergency laparotomy. The diagnosis is based in the clinical evaluation, white blood cels count and diagnostic imaging exams. The aym of the study is to evaluate ultrasonography as a complemental diagnosis method in cases of acute appendicitis comparing with pathologycal exam. We reviewed promptuaries of 320 patients submited to appendicectomies in Santa Casa Hospital of Porto Alegre between January 2005 and December 2006 to analyse the impression of the ultrasonographist and the pathologycal examination of the surgical material. Of those, 251 patients (78,4 %) were submitet to ultrasonography in the pre-operatory. 216 of those had diagnosticaded acute appendicitis in the pathologycal examination. In 170 patients (78,7%), ultrasonography suggested diagnosis of acute appendicitis. In 21 cases (9,72 %) the exam did not suggest inflammatory process and in 25 patients (11,57%) the ultrasonographist had doubt about the diagnosis. The sensibility verificated was 78% and the specificity was 35%. The positive and negative predictive values were 89,47% and 24,59%, respectively. The acuracy was 73,7%. If we eliminate the doubt, the sensibility was 89%, specificity 35%, positive and negative predictive values were 89,47% and 34,37%, respectively. The acuracy was 81,53%. We concluded that ultrasonography is an important diagnostic tool to the appendicitis and an excelent method to discriminate other acute diseases of the right inferior quadrant. However, the exam should not substitute anamnesis and physical examination to establish the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Correlación clínica, quirúrgica y anatomopatológica en pacientes con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda: Hospital Patrocinio Peñuela Ruíz 2000-2005 / Clinical correlation, surgical and anatomopathologic in patients hospitalized with diagnosis of acute appendicitis: Hospital Dr. Patrocinio Peñuela Ruíz 2000-2005

La apendicitis constituye una de las causas más frecuentes de abdomen agudo y la indicación más común para laparotomía de urgencia. En el Hospital Dr. Patrocinio Peñuela Ruíz, entre los años 2000 y 2005, se practicaron 760 apendicectomías. Debido al elevado número de cirugías y con la finalidad de mejorar su manejo hospitalario, se plantea realizar esta investigación de tipo retrospectivo, transversal descriptivo y observacional; que tiene como objetivo determinar la correlación entre manifestaciones clínicas, hallazgos operatorios y descripción anatomopatológica de los apéndices cecales de pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico infeccioso: apendicitis aguda, a quienes se les realizó apendicectomía. El grupo etáreo mas frecuente fue entre 11 y 15 años, predominó el sexo masculino con 54 por ciento, el motivo de consulta más frecuente fue dolor abdominal (90 por ciento); los principales síntomas: dolor abdominal 100 por ciento, vómito 56 por ciento y fiebre 31 por ciento. Entre la aparición de los síntomas y el momento de la cirugía, transcurrieron entre 25 y 30 horas en 25 por ciento de los pacientes. Se reportaron la mayor cantidad de apendicitis en fase flegmonosa entre las 12-24 horas. Como hallazgos operatorios se evidenció: 53 por ciento apédices en fase flegmonosa, la localización más frecuente: retrocecal (23 por ciento), con 52 por ciento sin líquido en cavidad abdominal. En los hallazgos anatomopatológicos: fase flegmonosa en 35 por ciento, congestiva 29 por ciento y gangrenosa 2 por ciento, la correlación entre el diagnóstico quirúrgico y el anatomopatológico se presentó en la fase congestiva en el 89 por ciento, en la flegmonosa en el 72 por ciento también hubo correlación; y en la gangrenosa y perforada, en el 100 por ciento no hubo correlación.

Apendicectomía en blanco: análisis de 106 casos / Appendicectomy in normal appendix: report of 106 cases

La apendicectomía es la intervención quirúrgica más frecuente en los servicios de urgencia. La clínica, fundamental en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, no siempre es categórica, debido a que los síntomas y signos pueden resultar ambiguos. No obstante, los métodos de laboratorio e imagenológicos no han logrado superarla en cuanto a rendimiento, por lo que sólo cumplen un rol de ayuda en casos específicos. El objetivo del presente estudio es mostrar y analizar los casos de pacientes apendicectomizados con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, cuyo informe histopatológico de la pieza operatoria resultó negativo para dicha patología. Se estudian retrospectivamente 677 casos mediante revisión de los informes de biopsias correspondientes al total de los pacientes operados en el Hospital Clínico Regional Valdivia entre enero y diciembre de 2004. Se revisan las fichas clínicas de los casos con diagnóstico histopatológico negativo, analizando luego mediante una planilla Excel variables como edad, sexo, procedencia, clínica, parámetros de laboratorio, período de evolución, tiempo de hospitalización, hallazgos intraoperatorios, diagnóstico histopatológico y morbimortalidad quirúrgica. Se realizaron 106 apendicectomías en blanco (15,7 por ciento), correspondiendo 54 por ciento a mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 23,5 años (1-77). Una paciente presentaba un embarazo de 23 semanas (0,94 por ciento). El tiempo de evolución preoperatorio presentó un promedio y mediana de 1,96 días (1-11). En el 38,7 por ciento de los casos se registró fiebre. A un 73,6 por ciento de los pacientes se les solicitó hemograma preoperatorio. De éstos, un 67.9 por ciento presentó leucocitosis. Un 46,2 por ciento de los pacientes son intervenidos dentro de las primeras 24 horas de evolución. Sólo en un 22,6 por ciento el cirujano concluye en el intraoperatorio una apendicectomía en blanco, evidenciándose en 5 casos (4,7 por ciento) un cuadro diferente a patología apendicular. Se concluye que en una...

Hallazgos histopatólogicos en 1181 apendicectomías / Histopathological findings in 1181 appendectomies

El apéndice cecal es asiento de variada patología, desde la apendicitis aguda a una serie de otras enfermedades y procesos no inflamatorios. El objetivo de este estudio fue la revisión retrospectiva de los hallazgos histológicos, etiología, edad, género y diagnóstico de las apendicectomías realizadas en el Hospital Militar de Santiago desde Enero 2000 a Febrero 2004. Se revisaron 1181 casos. El 95 por ciento de las apendicectomías se realizaron con el diagnóstico preoperatorio de apendicitis aguda. El 83 por ciento del total presentó apendicitis aguda histológica y el 9 por ciento de estas perforada. El promedio de edad fue de 22,7 años y el 57 por ciento eran hombres. Un 13 por ciento de las intervenciones resultaron de etiología no apendicular, de éstas el 73 por ciento fue en mujeres. Del total de los apéndices vermiformes estudiados el 5 por ciento eran normales, un 9 por ciento presentaba hiperplasia linfoide, un 10 por ciento fecalito, un 3 por ciento Enterobius vermicularis y un 4 por ciento presentó otros diagnósticos. De las neoplasias encontradas las más frecuentes fueron carcinoides apendiculares en un 0,67 por ciento. En conclusión, la patología apendicular es importante en la práctica quirúrgica de urgencia, siendo la apendicitis aguda la más frecuente de ellas. Sin embargo, existe un porcentaje no despreciable de otras patologías que afectan o coexisten en este órgano y que deben ser incluidas en la lista de diagnósticos diferenciales.

Appendiceal tumour--retrospective clinicopathological analysis.

Appendiceal tumours are rare and often discovered unexpectedly in an acute situation in which decision-making is difficult. We report the spectrum of appendiuar tumours seen in our institution over a period of more than 10 years, and discuss the clinicopathological behaviour, investigations, surgical procedures and outcomes in these patients. We have also reviewed the literature with regard to appendiceal tumours. Appendicular tumours were identified from the database of 1646 appendictomies (18% in children) performed in single centre and case notes were reviewed. Clinical presentation, investigations, histopathology, surgical procedures and outcome were analysed. Twelve patients with appendiceal tumours were identified (0.72%): 8 carcinoid, 2 mucinous (mucocele) and 2 adenocarcinoma. All the patients with a carcinoid tumour presented with features suggestive of acute appendicitis and were diagnosed postoperatively following appendicectomy and formal histology. No further surgical intervention was required as these lesions were less than 1cm away from the base of the appendix. One of the patient with mucinous cystadenoma presented acutely and underwent an appendicectomy; in the other patient with chronic pain, apreoperative MRI suggested the diagnosis leading to a planned hemicolectomy as the lesion was close to the base of the appendix. While one of the patient with an adenocarcinoma localized to the appendix did well following a right hemicolectomy, the other patient with disseminated disease succumbed within a year. Carcinoid tumours are the commonest appendiceal tumours, which present often as acute appendicitis. While appendicectomy would be adequate in most of these patients, in patients with a cystadenoma close to the base of the appendix or in case of a carcinoma, a right hemicolectomy is the appropriate option. While the prognosis is good in patients with carcinoid tumour and cystadenoma, it remains dismal in patients with disseminated malignant disease.

Acute appendicitis: a quality assurance study.

The parameters that indicate the quality of patient care in acute appendicits (AA) were evaluated. One hundred sixty-four patients, who underwent emergency appendectomy (EA) at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal were studied prospectively. The mean duration of the symptoms was 42.2 +/- 69.5 hours (range 2-720 hours, median 24 hours). The mean waiting period in the hospital was as 12.7 +/- 21.8 hours (range 1-188 hours, median 7 hours). Special investigations' such ultrasonography, computed tomography or laparoscopy, were not used for diagnosis. The perforation rate was 39%. The histopathology report of 79% of the patients was available. Diagnostic accuracy in histologically evaluated patients was 91.5%. One patient (0.6%) died. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 +/- 2.0 days (range 1-17 days). Patients who had to wait in hospital for < 24 hours before surgery had a longer duration of symptoms, underwent exploratory laparotomy through a mid-line incision more frequently, had a higher incidence of perforated/gangrenous appendix and longer hospital stay. The mean medical expenditure for patients treated in the general ward was Nepali Rupees (NR) 2485 +/- 504 (range NR 1372-4500). The majority of patients/guardians (88%-97%) were satisfied with the medical expenditure incurred, promptness of service, behaviour of the hospital staff and the facilities available in the hospital. The diagnostic accuracy and cost of treatment were favourable. The longer duration of symptoms, non-utilization of special investigations for diagnosis, high perforation rate and less than cent-per cent biopsy rate are the aspects that require attention to improve the quality of surgical care.