Evidence mapping on how to perform an optimal surgical repair of large hiatal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic and large hiatal hernia (HH) is a common disorder requiring surgical management. However, there is a lack of systematic, evidence-based recommendations summarizing recent reviews on surgical treatment of symptomatic HH. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to create evidence mapping on the key technical issues of HH repair based on the highest available evidence. METHODS: A systematic review identified studies on eight key issues of large symptomatic HH repair. The literature was screened for the highest level of evidence (LE from level 1 to 5) according to the Oxford Center for evidence-based medicine's scale. For each topic, only studies of the highest available level of evidence were considered. RESULTS: Out of the 28.783 studies matching the keyword algorithm, 47 were considered. The following recommendations could be deduced: minimally invasive surgery is the recommended approach (LE 1a); a complete hernia sac dissection should be considered (LE 3b); extensive division of short gastric vessels cannot be recommended; however, limited dissection of the most upper vessels may be helpful for a floppy fundoplication (LE 1a); vagus nerve should be preserved (LE 3b); a dorso-ventral cruroplasty is recommended (LE 1b); routine fundoplication should be considered to prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (LE 2b); posterior partial fundoplication should be favored over other forms of fundoplication (LE 1a); mesh augmentation is indicated in large HH with paraesophageal involvement (LE 1a). CONCLUSION: The current evidence mapping is a reasonable instrument based on the best evidence available to guide surgeons in determining optimal symptomatic and large HH repair.

Career goals of surgeons in Switzerland.

PURPOSE: Recent studies from the United States and Germany have shown a general decline in the number of surgical residents, as trainees increasingly prioritize a positive work-life balance. The current study sought to evaluate the career goals of surgeons in Switzerland. METHODS: Members of the Swiss College of Surgeons, being surgical consultant or attending regardless of specialty, were surveyed online as to their purported career goals, future employment ideals, aspired leadership positions, and managerial training. RESULTS: A total of 269 questionnaires were analysed. Most participants (93%) were board- certified and 30% of participants were female. With regard to desired specialty, 50% of participants intended to pursue a career in visceral surgery followed by general surgery, traumatology, hand and plastic surgery, vascular surgery and thoracic surgery. Regardless of specialty, 53% of respondents strived for the position of senior physician, while 28% indicated a desire to become chief physician. In terms of work environment, most participants preferred to seek employment at a cantonal hospital, followed by a rural hospital, a university hospital, private practice or a non-clinical setting. About half of respondents favoured the option of part time employment of 80% or less and about a quartile intended to retire before 62 years of age. CONCLUSION: The current study found that surgeons in Switzerland remain highly motivated to pursue leadership positions in their respective fields. Going forward, the challenge will lie in reconciling the needs of the respective departments with the personal ambition, career opportunities, and desired work-life balance of young trainees.

Schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni)-a rare cause of complex liver cysts.

In this paper, we describe the case of a 40-year-old patient with an expanding and symptomatic complex liver cyst. Despite comprehensive diagnostics, including labs, imaging and biopsy, a clear etiology could not be determined. As a result, a partial liver resection was performed. The histopathological examination revealed evidence of schistosomas. We postulate that the displacement of the portal fields created a pseudocyst and that the resultant ischemia was the root cause of the patient's discomfort. Postoperatively, the patient received an antihelmintic therapy with praziquantel with which she was able to fully recover.

Minimally invasive versus open pancreatic surgery: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Widespread implementation of the minimally invasive technique in pancreatic surgery has proven to be challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) pancreatic surgery with open pancreatic surgery using data obtained from RCTs. METHODS: A literature search was done using Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Web of Science; all available RCTs comparing minimally invasive pancreatic surgery and open pancreatic surgery in adults requiring elective distal pancreatectomy or partial pancreatoduodenectomy were included. Outcomes were mortality rate, general and pancreatic surgery specific morbidity rate, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Six RCTs with 984 patients were included; 99.0 per cent (486) of minimally invasive procedures were performed laparoscopically and 1.0 per cent (five) robotically. In minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, length of hospital stay (-1.3 days, -2 to -0.5, P = 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (-137 ml, -182 to -92, P < 0.001) were reduced. In the subgroup analysis, reduction in length of hospital stay was only present for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (-2 days, -2.3 to -1.7, P < 0.001). A minimally invasive approach showed reductions in surgical site infections (OR 0.4, 0.1 to 0.96, P = 0.040) and intraoperative blood loss (-131 ml, -173 to -89, P < 0.001) with a 75 min longer duration of surgery (42 to 108 min, P < 0.001) only in partial pancreatoduodenectomy. No significant differences were found with regards to mortality rate and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis presents level 1 evidence of reduced length of hospital stay and intraoperative blood loss in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery compared with open pancreatic surgery. Morbidity rate and mortality rate were comparable, but longer duration of surgery in minimally invasive partial pancreatoduodenectomy hints that this technique in partial pancreatoduodenectomy is technically more challenging than in distal pancreatectomy.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4: a new member of the MEN family.

Objective: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4 (MEN4) is caused by a CDKN1B germline mutation first described in 2006. Its estimated prevalence is less than one per million. The aim of this study was to define the disease characteristics. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 criteria. A literature search from January 2006 to August 2022 was done using MEDLINE® and Web of ScienceTM. Results: Forty-eight symptomatic patients fulfilled the pre-defined eligibility criteria. Twenty-eight different CDKN1B variants, mostly missense (21/48, 44%) and frameshift mutations (17/48, 35%), were reported. The majority of patients were women (36/48, 75%). Men became symptomatic at a median age of 32.5 years (range 10-68, mean 33.7 ± 23), whereas the same event was recorded for women at a median age of 49.5 years (range 5-76, mean 44.8 ± 19.9) (P = 0.25). The most frequently affected endocrine organ was the parathyroid gland (36/48, 75%; uniglandular disease 31/36, 86%), followed by the pituitary gland (21/48, 44%; hormone-secreting 16/21, 76%), the endocrine pancreas (7/48, 15%), and the thyroid gland (4/48, 8%). Tumors of the adrenal glands and thymus were found in three and two patients, respectively. The presenting first endocrine pathology concerned the parathyroid (27/48, 56%) and the pituitary gland (11/48, 23%). There were one (27/48, 56%), two (13/48, 27%), three (3/48, 6%), or four (5/48, 10%) syn- or metachronously affected endocrine organs in a single patient, respectively. Conclusion: MEN4 is an extremely rare disease, which most frequently affects women around 50 years of age. Primary hyperparathyroidism as a uniglandular disease is the leading pathology.

Bariatric metabolic surgery eliminates body mass index as a risk factor for unemployment.

BACKGROUND: The effects of bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) on health and comorbidities are well-known. Socioeconomic factors have been increasingly in focus in recent investigations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of BMS on predictive variables for unemployment. SETTING: This study as performed in one reference center for BMS. Patients were treated between 2011 and 2017. METHODS: The study design was a retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, follow-up of 60 months, and complete data on employment rate. Exclusion criteria were secondary BMS, secondary referral, loss of follow-up, or patients aged 60 years and above. Patients were stratified as employed independent of part-time work and as unemployed if the patient had no current employment at the time of the visit. Follow-up visits were performed after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60 months. RESULTS: This study included 623 patients; prior to BMS, 239 (38.36%) patients were employed and 384 (61.64%) unemployed. Risk factors for baseline unemployment included increased body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.05; P = .010) and increased American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 2.56 to 4.90; P < .001). Unemployment rate dropped to 32.4% after 24 months (P < .001) and increased to 62.8% after 60 months. The BMI continuously decreased. Following BMS, the unemployment rate was no longer associated with BMI (24 months: OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.01; P = .220; 60 months: 1.04; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.11; P = .269). The initial ASA status remained associated with unemployment (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.60 to 3.01; P < .001). CONCLUSION: BMI showed some association with the unemployment rate prior to BMI. The unemployment rate significantly decreased 24 months after BMS but increased to baseline values after 60 months. Following BMS, BMI was no longer associated with unemployment.

The implementation of physicians assistant in a surgical ward improves continuity in daily clinical work and increases comprehensibility of nurses and physicians.

INTRODUCTION: Physician Assistant (PA) have been deployed to increase the capacity of a team, supporting continuity and medical cover. The goal of this study was to assess the implementation of PAs on continuity of surgical rounds, on the collaboration of nurses and physicians and on support of administrative work. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was performed on nurses and physicians who work full-time at a surgical ward in a Swiss reference center. PAs were introduced in our institution in 2019. Participants answered a self-developed questionnaire 6 and 12 months after the implementation of PAs. Administrative work, teamwork, improvement of workflow, and training of physicians has been assessed. Participants answered questions on a 5-point Likert scale and were stratified according to profession (nurse, physician). RESULTS: Participants (n = 53) reported a positive effect on the regular conduct of rounds (2.9, SD 1.1 points after 6 weeks and 3.5, SD 1.1 points after 12 weeks, p = 0.05). A significant improvement of nurse-doctor collaboration has been reported (3.6, SD 1.0 and 4.2, SD 0.8, p = 0.05). Nurses (n = 28, 52.8%) reported the that PAs are integrated in the physicians team rather than the nurses team (4.0, SD 0.0 points and 4.4, SD 0.7 points, p = 0.266) and a significant beneficial effect on the surgical clinic (3.7, SD 1.0 points and 4.4, SD 0.8 points, p = 0.043). Improved overall management of surgical cases was reported by the physicians (n = 25, 47.2%) (4.8, SD 0.4 and 4.3, SD 0.6, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The implementation of PA has improved the collaboration of physicians and nurses substantially. Continuity of rounds has improved and the administrative workload for residents decreased substantially. Overall, the implementation of PA was reported to be beneficial for the surgical clinic.

Transition from a circular to a linear stapling protocol in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and its impact on quality of life: a 5-year outcome study.

PURPOSE: Surgical technique in bariatric surgery has been refined over the past decades. This study analysed the effect of changing the stapling protocol on the quality of life (QoL) at a midterm follow-up. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between June 2012 and March 2016. Patients were stratified into the circular stapling protocol (CSP, n = 117) or the linear stapling protocol (LSP, n = 118). QoL was quantified by the Moorehead score at 12, 24 and 60 months. Multivariate testing was used to identify confounders. RESULTS: The age was 42.8 ± 11.5 years and the body mass index (BMI) was 43.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2, with no baseline intergroup differences. Overall baseline Moorehead score was 0.42 ± 1.1 and improved in both groups after 12 months (1.97 ± 0.74, p < 0.001), 24 months (1.86 ± 0.79, p < 0.001) and 60 months (1.71 ± 0.9, p < 0.001). LSP was associated with improved Moorehead score after 60 months (odds ratio [OR] 1.251, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.48, p = 0.010). Overall, a drop of mean BMI occurred and this effect lasted throughout the observation period (- 12.48 kg/m2, p < 0.001). More profound BMI reduction was further positively associated with Moorehead scores after 24 and after 60 months (OR 0.97, p = 0.028; OR 0.96, p = 0.007). Complications, rehospitalisations and reoperations were more frequent in the CSP group (50% vs 23.7%, p < 0.001; 39.7% vs 22.9%, p = 0.009; 37.1% vs 18.6%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The CSP and LSP achieve a long-lasting increase in QoL, although the LSP is associated with fewer complications, persistent weight loss and improved Moorehead score. Therefore, the LSP might be considered the favourable protocol in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

An ileo-colic intussusception reaching down to the descending colon - A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intussusception in healthy adults is rare and often associated with oncologic diseases. This case report presents a case of an ileo-colic intussusception reaching down to the descending colon in a healthy adult that required ileo-colic resection. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 78-year-old male patient with acute onset unspecific abdominal pain. The medical history was unremarkable. Preoperative radiologic assessments showed an invagination of the small intestine into the colon without any signs of polyps or tumours. An emergency laparotomy with resection of the affected intestine was performed. The pathologist described a 49 cm length of intussuscepted colon and an additional 7 cm intussusception of the terminal ileum. A circular area with multiple polyps extending over 8 cm in the colon could be identified. The microscopic findings showed a low-grade dysplasia within this area. Following surgery, the patient was discharged to rehabilitation after a ten-day hospitalization. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Intussusception in adults is rare and the clinical presentation includes unspecific symptoms making the diagnosis challenging. In 90% of the cases, a pathologic lesion is found (two-thirds are neoplasms). An intussusception involving the colon should be treated surgically without prior reduction due to the high incidence of a neoplasm and the risk for perforation and tumour dissemination. CONCLUSION: In the literature, neoplastic disease represents the major cause for intussusception in adults. This report presents a rare case of an ileo-colic intussusception reaching down to the descending colon treated successfully with a subtotal colectomy.

Improved Clinical and Financial Outcomes in Proximal Gastric Bypass Surgery Following the Transition from a Conventional Circular Stapling to an Augmented Linear Stapling Protocol.

Bariatric techniques for bypass surgery evolve constantly. Switching from one well-established protocol to another in a running surgical teaching program is challenging. We analyzed clinical and financial outcomes at a single bariatric center transitioning from circular to an augmented linear bypass protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2018, 454 patients were included in this retrospective study. The circular bypass protocol (CIRC; n = 177) was used between 2011 and 2012. Between 2013 and 2015 the transition occurred. Thereafter, the augmented linear protocol (aLIN; n = 277) was primarily utilized. RESULTS: Overall, the mean preoperative BMI dropped from 42.2 to 29.6 kg/m2 after 5 years with no difference between groups. Operation times were significantly shorter in the aLIN vs. CIRC group at 108 (± 32) vs. 120 (± 34) min (P < 0.001), respectively. The reoperation rate was significantly higher in the CIRC vs. aLIN group at n = 65 (36%) vs. n = 35 (13%; P < 0.001), respectively. Specifically, revision due to internal hernia occurred much more frequently in the CIRC-group, n = 36 (20%) vs. n = 12 (4%; P < 0.001). Moreover, reoperation rates for gastrojejunostomy leakage and endoscopic dilatations for anastomotic stenosis were higher in the CIRC vs. aLIN group (P < 0.001). Adjusted overall mean cost per case was lower in aLIN-patients at 15,403 (± 7848) vs. CIRC-patients at 18,525 (± 7850) Swiss francs (P < 0.001). Overall profit was 2555 ± 4768 vs. 1455 ± 5638 Swiss francs in the aLIN vs. CIRC-group, respectively (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: This study shows improved clinical and financial outcomes after a gradual transition from a circular stapling protocol to an augmented linear stapling protocol in proximal gastric bypass surgery.

The Impact of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Bone Remodeling Expressed by the P1NP/ßCTX Ratio: a Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery seems to decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of fatigue fractures. P1NP (bone formation) and ßCTX (bone resorption) were recently validated as reference bone turnover markers (BTM). OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in bone remodeling in severely obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) by using a new composite biomarker, the P1NP/ßCTX ratio. METHODS: We prospectively collected blood samples preoperatively, at 1 month and at 1 year from 114 consecutive RYGB patients from 12/2012 to 04/2014. Repeated measures ANOVA and multiple regression were used for data analysis. Cumulative incidence of fractures was assessed in 06/2018. RESULTS: The P1NP/ßCTX ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from baseline to 1 month and 1 year (180 ± 6.6, 110 ± 4.1, and 132 ± 5.4). The 1-year P1NP/ßCTX ratio did not correlate with BMI or ΔBMI, but inversely correlated with age (r = - 0.23, P = 0.014) and with hsCRP (r = - 0.26, P = 0.009), even after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and lifestyle, and linearly correlated with albumin (r = 0.2, P = 0.037). At baseline, none of these correlations were detectable. Serum for all time-points was available from > 94% of the patients. At a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 8 patients (7.3%) had a bone fracture, all of them traumatic. CONCLUSION: Following RYGB, bone remodeling increases, with a shift toward degradation. This effect seems to be weight-loss independent and shows a correlation with age, with the level of systemic inflammation, and with nutritional state. The risk of fractures should be assessed systematically in bariatric patients and measures of prevention should be improved accordingly.

A 13-year journey of a gastric band - ultimate destination terminal jejunum: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been the gold standard for surgical management of obesity over the last decades in USA and Europe. However, significant complications have been documented due to foreign body placement, including band erosions. Our treatment approach for erosions is rather observant with regular follow-up until the band has sufficiently perforated the gastric wall which facilitates endoscopic removal. Consequences of a not followed-up band erosion may present even after a long time following initial diagnosis with more severe complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our out-patients' clinic with a 2-week history of worsening abdominal pain in her left upper quadrant, exacerbated by abdominal flexion and extension maneuvers. Here we describe a case involving gastric penetration and subsequent downward migration of a band into distal jejunum causing small bowel obstruction, which occurred more than 10 years following initial diagnosis of erosion. The perforation was missed due to cessation of endoscopic follow-up. CONCLUSION: Prospective and long-term follow-up is mandatory in those with partial band erosion to avoid further complications.

Vom Paintball gezeichnet.

We report the case of a 29-year-old patient who presented in the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. After initially inconspicuous medical history and laboratory evaluation, repeated focused history taking led to the correct diagnosis: a paintball projectile had left its mark. The patient had suffered a third-degree rupture of the spleen with delayed manifestation two weeks after the trauma. He could be successfully managed with an organ-preserving non-operative approach.

Hand-assisted living-donor nephrectomy: a retrospective comparison of two techniques.

BACKGROUND: Living-donor nephrectomy (LDN) is challenging, as surgery is performed on healthy individuals. Minimally invasive techniques for LDN have become standard in most centers. Nevertheless, numerous techniques have been described with no consensus on which is the superior approach. Both hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic (HARS) and hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS) LDNs are performed at Zurich University Hospital. The aim of this study was to compare these two surgical techniques in terms of donor outcome and graft function. METHOD: Retrospective single-center analysis of 60 consecutive LDNs (HARS n = 30; HALS n = 30) from June 2010 to May 2012, including a one-year follow-up of the recipients. RESULTS: There was no mortality in either group and little difference in the overall complication rates. Median warm ischemia time (WIT) was significantly shorter in the HARS group. The use of laxatives and the incidence of postoperative vomiting were significantly greater in the HALS group. There was no difference between right- and left-sided nephrectomies in terms of donor outcome and graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques appear safe for both donors and donated organs. The HARS technique is associated with a shorter WIT and a reduced incidence of postoperative paralytic ileus. Therefore, we consider HARS LDN a valuable alternative to HALS LDN.

Planned secondary wound closure at the circular stapler insertion site after laparoscopic gastric bypass reduces postoperative morbidity, costs, and hospital stay.

PURPOSE: The aims of the present study were to assess whether planned secondary wound closure at the insertion site of the circular stapler reduces wound infection rate and postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and to identify independent predictive factors increasing the risk for wound infections after RYGB. METHODS: This paper is a retrospective single-center analysis of a prospectively collected database of 1400 patients undergoing RYGB surgery in circular technique between June 2000 and June 2016. Planned secondary wound closure at the circular stapler introduction site was performed at postoperative day 3 in 291 (20.8%) consecutive patients and compared to a historical control of 1109 (79.2%) consecutive patients with primary wound closure. Independent predictive factors for wound infection were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Secondary wound closure significantly decreased wound infection rate from 9.3% (103/1109) to 1% (3/291) (p < 0.001) leading to a shorter hospital stay (mean 9 (SD8) vs. 7 days (SD2), p < 0.001), lower costs (p = 0.039), and reduced postoperative morbidity (mean 90-day Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) 7.4 (SD14.0) vs. 5.1 (SD11.1) p = 0.008) when compared to primary wound closure. Primary wound closure, dyslipidemia, and preoperative gastritis were independent predictive risk factors for developing wound infections both in the univariate (p < 0.001; p = 0.048; p = 0.003) and multivariable analysis (p < 0.001; p = 0.040; p = 0.012). Further, on multivariable analysis, the female gender was a predictive factor (p = 0.034) for wound infection development. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary wound closure at the circular stapler introduction site in laparoscopic RYGB significantly reduces the overall wound infection rate as well as postoperative morbidity, costs, and hospital stay when compared to primary wound closure.

Long-term outcomes of gastric band removal without additional bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of patients undergoing band removal alone without an additional bariatric procedure after laparoscopic gastric banding are not well reported. We seek to close this gap in the literature. SETTING: Cantonal Hospital & University Teaching Hospital, Switzerland METHODS: In this retrospective study, we investigated 21 patients who underwent band removal with a mean follow-up of 63 months. Weight regain, co-morbidities, and quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: The laparoscopic gastric bandings were implanted at a mean initial body mass index (BMI) of 44.6 kg/m2. The bands remained in situ for an average of 87.7 months (range: 14-185 mo). The reasons for band removal included band slippage in 9 cases (42.9%), band penetration in 6 cases (28.6%), leakage, port infection, and patient request in 2 cases (9.5% each). The average BMI at the time of band removal was 34.9 kg/m2. At 62.9 months after band removal, patients regained an average of 17.3 kg and attained a mean BMI of 41.0 kg/m2. Co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders worsened during the follow-up period. Thirteen of 21 patients rated their quality of life as bad, 5 as mediocre, and only 3 as good. Only 2 patients said they would undergo a gastric banding procedure again. The patients achieved an average of-.6 points on the Moorehead-Ardelt quality of life score, which indicates a fair quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study finds that reversal of gastric banding procedures with removal of the banding system alone leads to weight regain, deterioration of physical and psychiatric co-morbidities, and low quality of life scores.

Acute appendicitis in overweight patients: the role of preoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis in overweight patients is challenging due to the limited value of the clinical examination. The benefits of ultrasonography and abdominal CT have been studied in the general population, but there is limited data regarding their use in overweight and obese patients with suspected appendicitis. This study analyzes the role of preoperative radiological modalities in overweight patients with suspected appendicitis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired database including 705 patients operated for suspected acute appendicitis. Patients were divided into two groups according to their BMI (BMI ≥25 kg/m(2) (n = 242) and BMI <25 kg/m(2) (n = 463)). The use of preoperative radiological modalities, laboratory findings and outcome parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Ultrasonography was the preferred radiological assessment in our cohort (68 % in BMI <25 kg/m and 52.4 % in BMI ≥25 kg/m(2)). However, it was non-conclusive in 42 % of overweight as compared to 6 % in patients with a BMI < 25 (p < 0.0001). This difference was particularly obvious between female patients (8 % of non-conclusive US for BMI <25 kg/m(2) vs 52 % for BMI ≥25 kg/m(2), p < 0.0001). Significantly more CT scans were performed in overweight patients (37 % vs. 20 %; p <0.0001). The accuracy of CT did not differ according to BMI (85 % vs. 88 %; p = 0.76). Preoperative radiological imaging did not significantly delay surgery. Laparoscopy was the preferred approach for both groups (98.2 % vs 98.7 %, P = 0.86) with an overall conversion rate of 4 %. The overall rate of negative appendectomy was 10 %. CONCLUSIONS: The role of ultrasonography in patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m(2) with suspected acute appendicitis is questionable due to its high rate of non-conclusive findings. Therefore, abdominal CT scans should be preferred to investigate suspected appendicitis in overweight patient if clinical findings are not conclusive.