Nationwide outcomes of incidental appendectomy during cholecystectomy versus cholecystectomy alone in children: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The utility of incidental appendectomy, appendectomy during another index surgery in the absence of appendicitis, has not been evaluated in the pediatric population during cholecystectomy. This study sought to compare nationwide outcomes after cholecystectomy with incidental appendectomy in children. METHODS: Patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent cholecystectomy from 2010-2014 were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) with > 40 covariates including demographics, comorbidities, and hospitalization factors was performed between those receiving cholecystectomy alone versus incidental appendectomy at the time of cholecystectomy. RESULTS: 34,390 patients underwent cholecystectomy (median age 15 [13-17] years). Laparoscopic (92%) approach was utilized most frequently, with 2% requiring conversion to open cholecystectomy. PSMA demonstrated a higher frequency of perforation or laceration of adjacent organs occurring in those receiving cholecystectomy alone during index admission. No significant differences in readmissions within 30 days or the calendar year were detected. Those undergoing cholecystectomy alone had higher overall readmission costs ($11,783 [$4942-$39,836] vs. $6,100 [$2358-$19,719] cholecystectomy with appendectomy; p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: This nationwide PSMA indicates that incidental appendectomy in pediatric cholecystectomies is not associated with higher postoperative complications, cost, or readmissions. This suggests that incidental appendectomy during cholecystectomy is safe, cost-effective, and worthy of future study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.