Beneficios de la estandarización en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda / Benefits of standardization in the management of acute appendicitis

bjetivos. La apendicitis aguda (AA) es la patología quirúrgica pediátrica urgente más frecuente, pero su manejo postoperatorio es variable. La aplicación de protocolos minimiza esta variabilidad. Presentamos los resultados tras la optimización del protocolo de manejo en nuestro centro con objetivo de determinar su efectividad en cuanto a número de complicaciones infecciosas y optimización de recursos en nuestro medio. Material y métodos. Se realiza un estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de AA entre enero 2018 y agosto 2022. Comparamos dos cohortes, antes (1) y después del protocolo (2), subdividiéndolas según gravedad para un análisis por subgrupos: flemonosas (F), gangrenosas (G) y perforadas (P). Resultados. Incluimos 771 pacientes (1: 390/ 2: 381), con distribución homogénea, con mediana de edad 9,3 ± 2,8 años. La solicitud de analíticas previo al alta disminuyó de forma significativa (F: 3,9% vs. 0,5%; p= 0,026; G: 97,6% vs. 13,4%, p< 0,001). Los días de estancia hospitalaria se redujeron en los subgrupos F (1,2 IQR 0,7 vs. 1 IQR 0,36; p< 0,001), y G (4 IQR 1 vs. 3 IQR 1 días; p< 0,001). No se observaron diferencias en el número de abscesos entre los grupos (41 vs. 43 p= 0,73); sí en el subgrupo G (9 vs. 2; p= 0,029). Observamos una reducción del gasto de recursos en F y G. Conclusiones. En nuestro estudio, el subgrupo más beneficiado tras la optimización del protocolo fue el de las apendicitis gangrenosas con una reducción significativa en el número de complicaciones y en la utilización de recursos hospitalarios.(AU)

Objective. Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most frequent urgent surgical pathology in the pediatric population, but postoperative management is variable, with protocols minimizing variability. We present our results following the optimization of the management protocol in ourinstitution in order to establish its efficacy in terms of number of infectious complications and optimization of resources in our environment. Materials and methods. An observational, retrospective study of patients undergoing AA surgery from January 2018 to August 2022 was carried out. Two cohorts were compared, both before (1) and after (2) the implementation of the new protocol. They were divided according to severity in order to conduct a subgroup-based analysis –phlegmonous (PH), gangrenous (G), and perforated (P) appendicitis. Results. 771 patients (1: 390; 2: 381) were included, with a homogeneous distribution and a median age of 9.3 ± 2.8 years. Blood tests requested prior to discharge experienced a significant reduction (PH: 3.9% vs. 0.5%; p= 0.026; G: 97.6% vs. 13.4%, p< 0.001). Days of hospital stay decreased in the PH (1.2 IQR: 0.7 vs. 1 IQR: 0.36; p< 0.001) and G (4 IQR: 1 vs. 3 IQR: 1 days; p< 0.001) subgroups. No differences in the number of abscesses were found between groups (41 vs. 43; p= 0.73), but they were noted within subgroup G (9 vs. 2; p= 0.029). A reduction in resource expenses was detected in PH and G appendicitis. Conclusions. In our study, the most widely benefited subgroup following protocol optimization was the gangrenous appendicitis subgroup, with a significant reduction in the number of complications and the use of hospital resources.(AU)

Utilidad de los índices celulares y el índice neutrófilo/linfocito derivado en el diagnóstico de la apendicitis aguda pediátrica / Usefulness of cell ratios and the derived neutrophil- to-lymphocyte ratio in the diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis

Objetivo: Analizar la precisión de los índices celulares en el diagnóstico de la apendicitis aguda pediátrica, introduciendo uno nuevo, el índice neutrófilo/linfocito derivado (INLd). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de los pacientes de 0-15 años diagnosticados de apendicitis aguda (AA) y con dolor abdominal no quirúrgico (DA) tratados en nuestro centro entre 2021-2022. Se comparó el índice neutrófilo/linfocito (INL), índice monocito/linfocito (IML), índice plaqueta/linfocito (IPL) y el INLd entre los grupos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 98 casos con AA (30% mujeres, edad 10 ± 3,3 años) y 97 pacientes con DA (53% hombres, edad 9,3 ± 3,7 años). Los valores de INL, IML, IPL e INLd fueron mayores en pacientes con AA respecto a niños con DA: 9,6 rango intercuartil (RIC) 9,5 vs. 3,3 RIC 5,3: p = < 0,0001; 0,7 RIC 0,6 vs. 0,46 RIC 0,7: p = < 0,023; 199,8 RIC 163,9 vs. 134,0 RIC 129,2: p = < 0,0001; y 5,29 RIC 3,9 vs. 2,39 RIC 2,7: p = < 0,0001; respectivamente. La sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo-negativo, área bajo la curva ROC y el punto de corte del INLd para el diagnóstico de AA fue de 70%, 78%, 77-72%, 0,811 y 3,98; respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los índices celulares son parámetros inflamatorios útiles y coste-efectivos que pueden contribuir al diagnóstico de la apendicitis aguda pediátrica. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el INLd es el de mayor precisión clínica.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of cell ratios in the diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis while introducing a new one – the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR). Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective study of patients aged 0-15 years old diagnosed with acute appendicitis (AA) and with non-surgical abdominal pain (AP) treated in our institution from 2021 to 2022 was carried out. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and dNLR were compared between groups. Results. 98 AA patients (30% of whom were female; age: 10 ± 3.3 years) and 97 AP patients (53% of whom were male; age: 9.3 ± 3.7 years) were included. NLR, MLR, PLR, and dNLR values were higher in AA patients than in AP patients: 9.6 IQR (interquartile range) 9.5 vs. 3.3 IQR 5.3: p < 0.0001; 0.7 IQR 0.6 vs. 0.46 IQR 0.7: p < 0.023; 199.8 IQR 163.9 vs. 134.0 IQR 129.2: p < 0.0001; and 5.29 IQR 3.9 vs. 2.39 IQR 2.7; p < 0.0001, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive-negative predictive value, area under the ROC curve, and dNLR cut-off point for AA diagnosis were 70%, 78%, 77-72%, 0.811, and 3.98, respectively. Conclusions. Cell ratios are useful and cost-effective inflammatory parameters in the diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis. The results of this study suggest dNLR has the greatest clinical accuracy.(AU)

Estudio retrospectivo y comparativo de la utilidad y del valor predictivo positivo de la ecografía y la tomografía computarizada en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en adultos / The usefulness and positive predictive value of ultrasonography vs. computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adults: a retrospective study

Objetivo: Analizar la evolución del uso de pruebas de imagen (ecografía y tomografía computarizada [TC]) en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, el valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y determinar el porcentaje de apendicectomías negativas y complicadas. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye a los pacientes adultos con apendicectomía por sospecha de apendicitis aguda en 2015 en un hospital terciario. Se compara con los del 2007 publicados previamente. Resultados: La muestra incluye 278 pacientes. La tasa de apendicectomías negativas descendió a un 5%. El VPP de la ecografía aumentó a 97,4% en 2015 y el VPP de la TC y del uso combinado de la ecografía y la TC fue del 100%. El porcentaje de apendicitis complicadas se incrementó (23% en 2015). Conclusiones: Se observó un aumento en el empleo de pruebas de imagen y una disminución de laparotomías en blanco. No obstante, las apendicitis complicadas se han incrementado.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the evolution of the use of imaging tests (ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT)) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. To determine the positive predictive value of these tests and the percentage of negative and complicated appendectomies. Material and methods: This retrospective study compared adults who underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis at our tertiary hospital during 2015 versus similar patients at our center during 2007. Results: A total of 278 patients were included. The rate of negative appendectomies descended to 5%. The positive predictive value of ultrasonography increased to 97.4% in 2015, and the positive predictive value of CT and combined CT and ultrasonography was 100%. The rate of complicated appendicitis increased (23% in 2015). Conclusions: The use of imaging tests increased, and the rate of “blind” laparotomies decreased. Nevertheless, the rate of complicated appendicitis increased.(AU)

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the course and treatment of appendicitis in the pediatric population.

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious virus causing mainly respiratory track disease called COVID-19, which dissemination in the whole world in the 2020 has resulted in World Health Organisation (WHO) announcing the pandemic. As a consequence Polish Government made a decision to go into a lockdown in order to secure the population against SARS-CoV-2 outbreak what had its major influence on the Polish Health Care System. All of the social and medical factors caused by the pandemic might influence children's health care, including urgent cases. The aim of this survey was the analysis of medical charts with focus on the course and results of surgical treatment of children who underwent appendectomy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: We performed analysis of charts of 365 subjects hospitalized in the Pediatric Surgery Department from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020 because of acute appendicitis. Patients were divided into two groups-those treated in 2019-before pandemic outbreak, and those treated in 2020 in the course of pandemic. Results: the most common type of appendicitis was phlegmonous (61% of cases in 2019 and 51% of cases in 2020). Followed by diffuse purulent peritonitis (18% of cases in 2019 vs 31% of cases in 2020), gangrenous (19% of cases in 2019 vs 15% of cases in 2020) and simple superficial appendicitis (1% of cases in 2019 vs 3% of cases in 2020). There was statistically significant difference in the length of hospitalization: in 2019 the mean length of hospi-talization was 4.761 vs 5.634 in 2020. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed more frequently before the COVID period (63% of cases treated in 2019 vs 61% of cases treated in 2020). In the pandemic year 2020, there was double increase in the number of conversion from the laparoscopic approach to the classic open surgery. In the year 2019 drainage of abdominal cavity was necessary in 22% of patients treated with appendectomy, in 2020 the amount of cases threated with appendectomy and drainage increased to 32%. Conclusions: fear of being infected, the limited availability of appointments at General Practitioners and the new organisation of the medical health care system during pandemic, delay proper diagnosis of appendicitis. Forementioned delay leads to higher number of complicated cases treated with open appendectomy and drainage of abdominal cavity, higher number of conversions from the laparoscopic to classic open technique, and longer hospitalization of children treated with appendectomy in the year of pandemic.

Use of gene expression profiling to identify candidate genes for pretherapeutic patient classification in acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis represent independent pathophysiological entities with different clinical courses ranging from spontaneous resolution to septic disease. However, reliable predictive methods for these clinical phenotypes have not yet been established. In an attempt to provide pathophysiological insights into the matter, a genomewide gene expression analysis was undertaken in patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and, after histological confirmation of PA or GA, analysed for genomewide gene expression profiling using RNA microarray technology and subsequent pathway analysis. RESULTS: Samples from 29 patients aged 7-17 years were included. Genomewide gene expression analysis was performed on 13 samples of phlegmonous and 16 of gangrenous appendicitis. From a total of 56 666 genes, 3594 were significantly differently expressed. Distinct interaction between T and B cells in the phlegmonous appendicitis group was suggested by overexpression of T cell receptor α and ß subunits, CD2, CD3, MHC II, CD40L, and the B cell markers CD72 and CD79, indicating an antiviral mechanism. In the gangrenous appendicitis group, expression of genes delineating antibacterial mechanisms was found. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence for different and independent gene expression in phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis in general, but also suggest distinct immunological patterns for the respective entities. In particular, the findings are compatible with previous evidence of spontaneous resolution in phlegmonous and progressive disease in gangrenous appendicitis.

A Nationwide Cohort Study of Outcome after Pediatric Appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Children with appendicitis often present with complicated disease. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical management of pediatric appendicitis, and to report how disease severity and operative modality are associated with short- and long-term risks of adverse outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study of all Swedish children (<18 years) diagnosed with appendicitis, 2001 to 2014 (n = 38,939). Primary and secondary outcomes were length of stay, surgical site infections, readmissions, 30-day mortality, and long-term risk of surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Implications of complicated disease and operative modality were assessed with adjustment for age, gender, and trends over time. RESULTS: Complicated appendicitis was associated with longer hospital stay (4 vs. 2 days, p < 0.001), increased risk of surgical site infection (5.9 vs. 2.3%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.64 [95% confidence interval, CI: 2.18-3.18], p < 0.001), readmission (5.5 vs. 1.2, aOR: 4.74 [95% CI: 4.08-5.53], p < 0.001), as well as long-term risk of surgery for SBO (0.7 vs. 0.2%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 3.89 [95% CI: 2.61-5.78], p < 0.001). Intended laparoscopic approach was associated with reduced risk of surgical site infections (2.3 vs. 3.1%, aOR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.62-0.89], p = 0.001), but no overall reduction in risk for SBO; however, successful laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with less SBO during follow-up compared with open appendectomy (aHR: 0.27 [95% CI: 0.11-0.63], p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Children treated for complicated appendicitis are at risk of substantial short- and long-term morbidities. Fewer surgical site infections were seen after intended laparoscopic appendectomy, compared with open appendectomy, also when converted procedures were accounted for.

The role of C-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio in the differentiation of acute and perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the superiority of C-reactive protein (CRP) lymphocyte ratio (CLR) in acute appendicitis (AA) and perforated appendicitis (PA) compared to routine laboratory parameters in patients where radiological tests were insufficient to clarify the diagnosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional and retrospective study, the patients were divided into two groups as PA and AA. Age, sex, length of hospital stay, leukocytes, neutrophil, lymphocyte, CRP, and CLR were recorded at the time of diagnosis. Regression analyses were performed for the parameters, which were found to be statistically significant in univariate analysis. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one patients were included in this study (111 patients in the AA group, and 20 patients in the PA group). Age (p=0.03), gender (p<0.001), length of hospital stay (p<0.001), CRP (p<0.001), NLR (p=0.004) and CLR (p<0.001) were significantly different between both groups. However, only CLR was found as a significant risk factor in PA cases (p=0.016). The ROC analysis showed the highest AUC value in CLR (0.83). The cut-off value for predicting PA was found 0.45. CONCLUSION: This study provided that the CLR is an important parameter for the differentiation of AA and PA patients. Besides, it is a valuable predictor in the preoperative risk classification of these patients.

Development and Implications of an Evidence-based and Public Health-relevant Definition of Complicated Appendicitis in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the influence of intraoperative findings on complications and resource utilization as a means to establish an evidence-based and public health-relevant definition for complicated appendicitis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Consensus is lacking surrounding the definition of complicated appendicitis in children. Establishment of a consensus definition may have implications for standardizing the reporting of clinical research data and for refining reimbursement guidelines. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients ages 3 to 18 years who underwent appendectomy from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 across 22 children's hospitals (n = 5002). Intraoperative findings and clinical data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Appendectomy Pilot Database were merged with cost data from the Pediatric Health Information System Database. Multivariable regression was used to examine the influence of 4 intraoperative findings [visible hole (VH), diffuse fibrinopurulent exudate (DFE) extending outside the right lower quadrant (RLQ)/pelvis, abscess, and extra-luminal fecalith] on complication rates and resource utilization after controlling for patient and hospital-level characteristics. RESULTS: At least 1 of the 4 intraoperative findings was reported in 26.6% (1333/5002) of all cases. Following adjustment, each of the 4 findings was independently associated with higher rates of adverse events compared with cases where the findings were absent (VH: OR 5.57 [95% CI 3.48-8.93], DFE: OR 4.65[95% CI 2.91-7.42], abscess: OR 8.96[95% CI 5.33-15.08], P < 0.0001, fecalith: OR 5.01[95% CI 2.02-12.43], P = 0.001), and higher rates of revisits (VH: OR 2.02 [95% CI 1.34-3.04], P = 0.001, DFE: OR 1.59[95% CI 1.07-2.37], P = 0.02, abscess: OR 2.04[95% CI 1.2-3.49], P = 0.01, fecalith: OR 2.31[95% CI 1.06-5.02], P = 0.04). Each of the 4 findings was also independently associated with increased resource utilization, including longer cumulative length of stay (VH: Rate ratio [RR] 3.15[95% CI 2.86-3.46], DFE: RR 3.06 [95% CI 2.83-3.13], abscess: RR 3.94 [95% CI 3.55-4.37], fecalith: RR 2.35 [95% CI 1.87-2.96], P =  < 0.0001) and higher cumulative hospital cost (VH: RR 1.97[95% CI 1.64-2.37], P < 0.0001, DFE: RR 1.8[95% CI 1.55-2.08], P =  < 0.0001, abscess: RR 2.02[95% CI 1.61-2.53], P < 0.0001, fecalith: RR 1.49[95% CI 0.98-2.28], P = 0.06) compared with cases where the findings were absent. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The presence of a visible hole, diffuse fibrinopurulent exudate, intra-abdominal abscess, and extraluminal fecalith were independently associated with markedly worse outcomes and higher cost in children with appendicitis. The results of this study provide an evidence-based and public health-relevant framework for defining complicated appendicitis in children.

Evaluation of concordance among surgeons and pathologists regarding the diagnosis and classification of acute appendicitis in children.

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent urgent abdominal surgical pathology in children. Therapeutic decisions in patients who have undergone an appendectomy are made based on the macroscopic findings at the moment of surgery. There is high variability between surgical and histopathological findings. METHOD: Concordance among surgeons and pathologists regarding the diagnosis and classification of acute appendicitis was assessed in children who have undergone an appendectomy. Surgical site infection (SSI) incidence was measured for both the surgical and pathological classification. RESULTS: The statistical analysis included 1092 children. The pathologists confirmed the presence of appendicitis in 90.4% of the patients. Concordance in the diagnosis of appendicitis among surgeons and pathologists was weak (kappa 0.57), while concordance in the classification of perforated or non-perforated appendicitis was moderate (kappa 0.7). There were no significant differences in these findings determined by the surgeons' experience or the open or laparoscopic approach. In the discordant group of 70 patients in which the surgeon classified the appendicitis as non-perforated but the pathologist classified as perforated, just one patient developed an intra-abdominal abscess. CONCLUSIONS: The classification of appendicitis as perforated or non-perforated shows moderate concordance between the surgical and histopathological diagnosis. This concordance is not determined by the surgeons' experience or the surgical approach. TYPE OF STUDY: Diagnostic Test LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Diagnosis and classification of pediatric acute appendicitis by artificial intelligence methods: An investigator-independent approach.

Acute appendicitis is one of the major causes for emergency surgery in childhood and adolescence. Appendectomy is still the therapy of choice, but conservative strategies are increasingly being studied for uncomplicated inflammation. Diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains challenging, especially due to the frequently unspecific clinical picture. Inflammatory blood markers and imaging methods like ultrasound are limited as they have to be interpreted by experts and still do not offer sufficient diagnostic certainty. This study presents a method for automatic diagnosis of appendicitis as well as the differentiation between complicated and uncomplicated inflammation using values/parameters which are routinely and unbiasedly obtained for each patient with suspected appendicitis. We analyzed full blood counts, c-reactive protein (CRP) and appendiceal diameters in ultrasound investigations corresponding to children and adolescents aged 0-17 years from a hospital based population in Berlin, Germany. A total of 590 patients (473 patients with appendicitis in histopathology and 117 with negative histopathological findings) were analyzed retrospectively with modern algorithms from machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). The discovery of informative parameters (biomarker signatures) and training of the classification model were done with a maximum of 35% of the patients. The remaining minimum 65% of patients were used for validation. At clinical relevant cut-off points the accuracy of the biomarker signature for diagnosis of appendicitis was 90% (93% sensitivity, 67% specificity), while the accuracy to correctly identify complicated inflammation was 51% (95% sensitivity, 33% specificity) on validation data. Such a test would be capable to prevent two out of three patients without appendicitis from useless surgery as well as one out of three patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. The presented method has the potential to change today's therapeutic approach for appendicitis and demonstrates the capability of algorithms from AI and ML to significantly improve diagnostics even based on routine diagnostic parameters.

REsiDENT 1 (Re-assessment of Appendicitis Evaluation during laparoscopic appendectomy: Do we End a Non-standardized Treatment approach and habit?): peritoneal irrigation during laparoscopic appendectomy-does the grade of contamination matter? A prospective multicenter resident-based evaluation of a new classification system.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy has progressively gained acceptance as the standard of care for acute appendicitis. Focusing on the incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess after a laparoscopic appendectomy, discordant data have been reported ranging from 1.5 to 20%. Besides, evidence advocating advantages from peritoneal irrigation over suction only are lacking. Most studies are burdened by a high level of heterogeneity regarding the severity of the appendicitis and modalities of peritoneal irrigation. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of an accepted classification for different degrees of appendicitis and peritoneal contamination. The aim of the study is to introduce a classification to clarify the relationship between grade of appendicitis, contamination, and postoperative incidence of IAA considering the surgeon's attitude toward irrigation or suction alone. Preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative predictive factors for infectious complication will also be assessed. This study is meant to be the first Italian multicenter resident-based observational study. Methods: Patients suffering from acute appendicitis will be enrolled during a 1-year period, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will fill an online form reporting all clinical and intra-operative data of each patient undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy. General surgery residents will be responsible for data collection. Our proposal of classification is based on the histological grade of appendicitis and intra-operative degree of peritoneal contamination. For each grade, a progressively increasing score is assigned. Discussion: The observational nature of this study is mandatory to examine surgeons' attitude toward peritoneal contamination during laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis. Identification of different severity grades of acute appendicitis and their relationship with the development of postoperative abscesses is necessary. The resulting classification and score, even considering peritoneal lavage or suction alone, will define risk classes of peri-appendiceal contamination each one related to a specific incidence rate of postoperative IAA. Nowadays, maximum effort should be made to reach the best procedural standardization and surgical decision-making should be supported by solid evidence, especially in an emergency surgery setting.

Calculated decisions: Alvarado score for acute appendicitis

The Alvarado score for acute appendicitis predicts the likelihood of a diagnosis of appendicitis.

Accuracy of surgeon prediction of appendicitis severity in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Clinical prediction of disease severity is important as one considers nonoperative management of simple appendicitis. This study assesses the accuracy of surgeons' prediction of appendicitis severity. METHODS: From February to August 2016, pediatric surgeons at a single institution were asked to predict whether patients had simple or complex appendicitis preoperatively based on clinical data, imaging, and general assessment. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine area under the curve (AUC) and optimal cutoff points of clinical findings for diagnosing simple appendicitis. Outcomes included sensitivity and specificity of variables to identify simple appendicitis. Predictions were compared to operative findings using χ2. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 125 cases (median age 9 years [IQR 7-13], 58% male), simple appendicitis was predicted in 77 (62%) and complex appendicitis in 48 (38%). Predictions were accurate in 59 (77%) simple cases and 45 (94%) complex cases. Although surgeon prediction was more accurate than individual imaging or clinical findings and was highly sensitive (95%) for diagnosing simple appendicitis, specificity was only 71%. Lower WBC (<15.5 × 103/µL, AUC 0.61, p = 0.05), afebrile (<100.4 °F, AUC 0.86, p < 0.01), and shorter symptom duration (≤ 1.5 days, AUC 0.71, p < 0.001) were associated with simple appendicitis. Of 18 complex cases (14%) inaccurately predicted as simple, 17 (94%) lacked diffuse tenderness, 15 (83%) were well-appearing, 11 (61%) had ultrasound findings of simple appendicitis, 11 (61%) had ≤2 days of symptoms, and 8 (44%) were afebrile (<100.4 °F). CONCLUSION: While surgeon prediction of simple appendicitis is more accurate than ultrasound or clinical data alone, diagnostic accuracy is still limited. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective survey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Is it beneficial to use clinical scoring systems for acute appendicitis in adults?

BACKGROUND: Clinical scoring systems have been used to reduce negative appendectomy rate for several decades. However, the use of these systems has been questioned due to differences in their diagnostic accuracies. The aim of this prospective study was to develop a new clinical scoring system using a combination of all previously described variables for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent emergency appendectomy for AA between December 2016 and April 2017 were prospectively included in the study. During admission, a prepared questionnaire including variables obtained from the previously used clinical scoring systems was administered. Histopathological analysis was regarded as the main outcome. Patients with no histopathological evidence of AA were defined as negative appendectomy. All variables were analyzed separately to assess their association with AA. A receiver operating characteristic curve with area under curve analysis was performed to obtain the cut-off values for numerical variables. RESULTS: There were 200 patients with a mean age of 30.8±12.8 years with a negative appendectomy rate of 5.5%. There was no significant association between the variables and the detection of histologically proven AA except increased white blood cell count >11.05/mm3 and proportion of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes >71.2% (p=0.003 and p=0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the development and/or use of scoring systems does not significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of AA.

Variation in Classification and Postoperative Management of Complex Appendicitis: A European Survey.

BACKGROUND: Data on common practice in the management of patients with complex appendicitis are scarce, especially for the adult population. Variation in the definition of complex appendicitis, indications for and the type of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis have not been well studied yet. The aim of this study was to document current practice of the classification and postoperative management of complex appendicitis on an international level. METHODS: An online survey was dispersed among practicing surgeons and surgical residents. Survey questions pertained to the definition of a complex appendicitis, indications for antibiotic prophylaxis after appendectomy, the duration, route of administration and antibiotic agents used. RESULTS: A total of 137 survey responses were eligible for analysis. Most respondents were from Northern or Western Europe and were specialized in gastrointestinal surgery. Opinion varied substantially regarding the management of appendicitis, in particular for phlegmonous appendicitis with localized pus, gangrenous appendicitis and iatrogenic rupture of appendicitis. The most common duration of postoperative antibiotics was evenly spread over <3, 3, 5 and 7 days. Whereas most respondents indicated a combined intravenous and oral route of administration was common practice, 28% answered a completely intravenous route of administration was standard practice. CONCLUSION: Current practice patterns in the classification and postoperative management of complex appendicitis are highly variable.

Can Alvarado and Appendicitis Inflammatory Response scores evaluate the severity of acute appendicitis?

BACKGROUND: The Alvarado score (AS) and the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score (AIRS) were developed to diagnose acute appendicitis (AA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of AA using the AS and the AIRS tools. METHODS: Patients who presented between January 2016 and December 2017 and underwent surgery for AA and who had a preoperative AS and AIRS value were evaluated retrospectively. The details of age, sex, pathological severity, the presence of local peritonitis or fecaloid, drainage, appendix diameter, and operation type were evaluated according to the AS and the AIRS. RESULTS: A total of 578 patients were included in the study. Appendicitis was the most common pathological severity classification (44.4%). The most common appendix diameter group was 7-10 mm (59.2%). The difference observed in the AS and AIRS results for all of the pathological severity categories was statistically significant (p<0.05). The AIRS revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the detection of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. The AIRS difference was statistically significant for appendix diameter (p<0.05). The AS and the AIRS results were both statistically significant for drainage (p<0.05). The AS was correlated with pathological severity, local peritonitis, and drainage, while the AIRS was correlated with pathological severity, uncomplicated/complicated determination, appendix diameter, and drainage (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the AS and the AIRS can evaluate pathological severity, but only the AIRS can evaluate complicated or uncomplicated appendicitis and the diameter of the appendix. These tools can be used to reduce the number of unnecessary radiological or surgical interventions.

Interobserver variability in the classification of appendicitis during laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative classification of appendicitis dictates the patient's postoperative management. Prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for complex appendicitis (gangrenous, perforated, abscess), whereas preoperative prophylaxis suffices for simple appendicitis. Distinguishing these two conditions can be challenging. The aim of this study was to assess interobserver variability in the classification of appendicitis during laparoscopy. METHODS: Short video recordings taken during laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis were shown to surgeons and surgical residents. They were asked to: classify the appendix as indicative of no, simple or complex appendicitis; categorize the appendix as normal, phlegmonous, gangrenous, perforated and/or abscess; and decide whether they would prescribe postoperative antibiotics. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated using Fleiss' κ score and the S* statistic. RESULTS: Some 80 assessors participated in the study. Video recordings of 20 patients were used. Interobserver agreement was minimal for both the classification of appendicitis (κ score 0·398, 95 per cent c.i. 0·385 to 0·410) and the decision to prescribe postoperative antibiotic treatment (κ score 0·378, 0·362 to 0·393). Agreement was slightly higher when published criteria were applied (κ score 0·552, 0·537 to 0·568). CONCLUSION: There is considerable variability in the intraoperative classification of appendicitis and the decision to prescribe postoperative antibiotic treatment.

Can serum soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor be an effective marker in the diagnosis of appendicitis and differentiation of complicated cases?

BACKGROUND: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a new biomarker of inflammation level. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether suPAR levels could be useful to detect acute appendicitis and to differentiate uncomplicated appendicitis (UA) from complicated appendicitis (CA). METHODS: We prospectively studied 105 patients consisting of 40 UA cases, 40 CA cases, and 25 control patients. Blood samples were collected to measure suPAR level, C-reactive protein level, leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil percentages preoperatively. RESULTS: Median values of suPAR level, C-reactive protein level, leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil percentages in UA and CA were significantly higher than control patients. suPAR levels of the UA and CA groups showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that serum suPAR concentrations can be helpful in differentiating CA from UA and in diagnosing acute appendicitis.

Microbiologic Analysis of Complicated and Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Microbiologic studies suggest that complicated (CAA) and uncomplicated (UAA) acute appendicitis are different entities. Routine peritoneal fluid cultures continue to be controversially related to a low positive rate, found mainly in UAA; to isolation of typical micro-organisms with expected susceptibilities; and to a community-acquired intra-abdominal infection. The aim of this study was to describe microbiologic isolates in CAA and UAA and the usefulness of peritoneal fluid cultures to determine the susceptibilities to our antibiotic therapy guidelines. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of a prospective database collected at University San Juan Hospital (Spain) between June 2014 and June 2017. Complicated acute appendicitis was defined as gangrenous or perforated, whereas UAA was defined as phegmonous or suppurative. Our antibiotic recommendations are amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and in patients with ß-lactam allergies, metronidazole plus aztreonam, and an aminoglycoside (gentamicin or tobramycin). Microbiologic cultures were performed in 264 patients, 157 with a CAA and 107 with a UAA. RESULTS: The positive culture rate was significantly higher in CAA (59%) than in UAA (24.3%). Gram-positive cocci (51.6% CAA; 23.1% UAA), including Streptococcus constellatus (29% CAA; 3.8% UAA), and anaerobes (67.7% CAA; 42.3% UAA) were significantly more common in CAA. The rates of antibiotic resistance were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 14% (17.2% CAA; 3.8% UAA), gentamicin or tobramycin 8.4% (9.7% CAA; 3.8% UAA), ciprofloxacin 5.9% (6.5% CAA; 3.8% UAA), and ertapenem 10.9% (14% CAA; 0 UAA). CONCLUSIONS: The culture-positive rate was higher in CAA, with different isolates and susceptibilities than in UAA, identifying a higher frequency of gram-positive cocci (including S. constellatus) and anaerobes. We recommend obtaining peritoneal fluid cultures in CAA, which frequently will lead to a change in the antimicrobial drug therapy guidelines, creating specific recommendations in AA.