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This study evaluated nonoperative treatment for mild appendicitis and reviewed selection criteria to be used in introducing this option into clinical practice. A retrospective review of 73 consecutive cases of appendicitis treated by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2013 was completed. Patients who were diagnosed with mild appendicitis meeting the criteria of an APPENDICITIS scoring algorithm proposed in this manuscript were considered for nonoperative management. An additional 17 patients with mild appendicitis were offered and successfully treated nonoperatively between 2014 and 2016 and reviewed. Of these original 73 patients, 37 had moderate to severe appendicitis and directly underwent appendectomy. The remaining patients were diagnosed with mild appendicitis and considered eligible for nonoperative management. Of these, 14 patients were offered nonoperative therapy. Thirteen responded successfully; one patient responded partially, but later opted for surgery. In 2014, this scoring system and preliminary results were shared with the other surgeons in our department. Nonoperative management was then selectively adopted by a few of the surgeons from 2014 to 2016 with another 17 patients (APPENDICITIS score of 0 or 1) being offered and successfully managed nonoperatively. Patients with mild or early appendicitis can be successfully managed nonoperatively. A proposed APPENDICITIS scoring system may provide a helpful mnemonic for successfully selecting patients for this option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to determine factors that cause appendix perforations and to identify the role of physicians and patients in contributing to the cause of these perforations. This study was conducted between April 2010 and May 2015 and included 64 patients with perforated appendicitis. Patients' medical records were examined for factors that might have contributed to perforation, and the roles of patients and physicians in perforation appendicitis were evaluated. The perforation rate of patients with appendicitis was 16.0 per cent. The average duration from symptom onset to hospital admission was 4.4 days (29 patients were admitted to hospital within two days, 35 were admitted later). In total, 38 patients had visited a different hospital before admission. Furthermore, six out of 26 patients who had not visited any other hospital had consumed analgesics. Factors contributing to appendix perforation included misdiagnosis at the patient's initial visit (56.0%), delayed admission to hospital (11.0%), and use of analgesics (9.0%). The cause of perforation was mostly physician-related in children and adults, and patient-related in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the importance of surgical management of acute appendicitis. It also evaluates the rate of carcinoid of the appendix (AC) in patients. Data was used from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) to identify 163,844 patients who received surgical intervention for acute appendicitis.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of noncontrast CT in detecting acute appendicitis. Prospective studies in which noncontrast CT was performed to evaluate acute appendicitis were found on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were assessed. The summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was conducted and the area under the curve was calculated. Seven original studies investigating a total of 845 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.97), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio was 12.90 (95% CI: 4.80-34.67), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.04-0.20), and 162.76 (95% CI: 31.05-853.26), respectively. The summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was symmetrical and the area under the curve was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99). In conclusion, noncontrast CT has high diagnostic accuracy in detecting acute appendicitis, which is adequate for clinical decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perforated appendicitis has major implications on patient care. The ability of computed tomography (CT) scan to distinguish perforation in the absence of phlegmon or abscess is unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the use and accuracy of CT scans in diagnosing perforated appendicitis without phlegmon or abscess. A retrospective chart review of 102 patients who underwent appendectomy from 2011 to 2013 was performed. Patient demographics and operative and postoperative course were recorded. Two radiologists were then blinded to operative findings and CT scans reread and results correlated. Findings on CT scan were also analyzed for correlation with perforation. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. Of the 102 patients, 49 were perforated and 53 nonperforated. Analysis of patient populations demonstrated patients with perforation were significantly older (45 vs 34 years, P = 0.002), had longer operative times (132 vs 81 minutes, P = 0.001), and longer length of stay (8.2 vs 1.5 days, P < 0.001). Nineteen perforations (37%) were correctly diagnosed by CT scan. The sensitivity of CT scan to detect perforation was 38 per cent, specificity 96 per cent, and positive predictive value of 90 per cent. After multivariate analysis of significant variables, three were demonstrated to significantly correlate with presence of perforation: presence of extraluminal air (odds ratio [OR], 28.9; P = 0.02); presence of intraluminal fecalith (OR, 5.7; P = 0.03); and wall thickness greater than 3 mm (OR, 3.2; P = 0.02). CT scan has a low sensitivity for diagnosing perforated appendicitis without abscess or phlegmon. Presence of extraluminal air bubbles, increased wall thickness, and intraluminal fecalith should increase suspicion for perforation and are highly correlated with outcomes after appendectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the history of appendicitis treatment and research. Surgery professor Berengario Da Carpi is believed to have first described the anatomic structure of the appendix. In June 1886, pathologist Reginald Heber Fitz presented a paper which provided a clear description of the clinical features of appendiceal disease and coined the term "appendicitis." In 1887, a case report of the first successful surgery performed for appendicitis was presented to the College of Physicians.

The article discusses a review of case reports of patients who experienced abdominal pain leading to appendicitis after colonoscopy procedure. The complication was attributed to local inflammation that lead to occlusion of the appendiceal orifice and to outflow obstruction. Majority of the patient were treated with laparotomy, while others underwent laparoscopic appendectomies, appendectomy, antibiotic therapy and another patient underwent an unidentified procedure.

Transabdominal ultrasound has a lower diagnostic yield in acute appendicitis than computed tomography (CT) scanning. The addition of transvaginal sonography in women with suspected appendicitis has shown improvement in the efficacy of diagnosis, potentially providing the option of selective CT use and reducing overall investigative cost and surgical delay. Two hundred ninety-two women who underwent combined transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound for suspected acute appendicitis were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups; Group 1 including patients with a positive sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis who underwent operation and Group 2 including patients with a negative sonographic diagnosis. Of the 157 women in Group 1, the diagnosis of appendicitis was histologically confirmed in 144 patients with five cases having a normal appendix in whom eight other pathologies were found. Of the 135 women with negative ultrasound examinations, 14 underwent surgery in which four cases of appendicitis were found. The sensitivity of the combined approach was 97.3 per cent, the specificity 91 per cent, the positive predictive value 91.7 per cent, and the negative predictive value 97 per cent. Combined ultrasound has a high predictive value for the diagnosis of appendicitis and may assist in reduction of the use of CT scanning for diagnosis and in the negative appendectomy rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, physicians rely on computerized tomography (CT) to aid in the workup of acute appendicitis (AA) in children despite the potential negative effects of CT-associated radiation exposure. Few studies have investigated the context or location in which the decision to perform CT for AA is made. We sought to determine where the decision to use CT was made during the initial workup of pediatric patients who later underwent an appendectomy. We reviewed the medical record of all patients at a children's hospital (CH) receiving appendectomy over 10.5 years. We abstracted clinical variables using an established clinical AA scoring system, demographics and outcome variables. Patients who underwent CT were compared with those who did not. Additionally, we identified the location where the CT was performed. Our children's hospital was compared with referring hospitals (RHs) with regard to utilization of CT imaging. Five hundred and forty-six patients underwent appendectomy for AA at CH. Of these, 50 per cent underwent CT. Patients who initially presented at the RHs underwent CT at a significantly higher rate than those first presenting to CH (P < 0.0001). Moreover, we found that unlike at the RHs, patients with a higher AA score underwent CT at CH less often (P < 0.0002). RHs used CT more often than CH to diagnose AA in our cohort. CH avoided CT for patients with higher Alvarado scores. Further research is needed to elucidate factors that lead healthcare providers to use CT for children with suspected AA to eliminate unnecessary CT-associated radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prompt appendectomy has always been a standard of care because of the risk of progression in pathology. This time honored practice has been recently challenged by studies, suggesting that appendicitis can be operated on electively. The aim of this study is to examine whether delayed intervention in acute appendicitis is safe by correlating the interval from presentation to operation with the operative and postoperative complications. Retrospective review of patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis in 2009 was done. The following parameters were recorded: demographics, duration from presentation to evaluation by emergency room attending, performing CT scan, surgical consult, and operation. The pathology, post operative complications, and length of stay were also recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: incision time < 10 hours (early group) and incision time > 10 hours (delayed group). The end points chosen for comparison were: 1) laparoscopic to open conversion rate, 2) complications, 3) readmissions, and 4) length of stay. Number of cases totaled 201, with 76 in the < 10 hours group and 125 in the > 10 hours group. The male to female ratio for the < 10 hours group was 54:22 and for the > 10 hours group was 59:66 (P < 0.001). Length of stay for the early group was 75.52 hours and for the delayed group, 89.15 hours (P = 0.04). There was one intra-abdominal abscess in the early group and 10 in the delayed group (P = 0.04). The early group had 0.2 (2.6%) open conversions, and the delayed group had five (4.1%) conversions (P = 0.58). There were six (4.8%) readmissions in the delayed group and none in the early group (P = 0.05). Our study reveals that the complication rate, length of stay, and readmissions are more in the delayed group. Conversion rate was more in the delayed group, but the difference was not significant. We conclude that early surgical intervention is beneficial in acute appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently the use of a single umbilical incision to perform an appendectomy has been described. The purpose of this study was to review our initial experience with transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA) in the pediatric population. A retrospective review of all pediatric patients treated for appendicitis over a 10-month period was performed. The surgical technique involved using a standard 3-mm or 5-mm trocar for visualization and insufflation. A dissecting/grasping instrument was used adjacent to the trocar through the same incision. Patient demographics, operative findings and time as well as postoperative course were reviewed. Of 21 patients undergoing laparoscopy appendectomy, 18 patients successfully underwent TULAA. Five patients had advanced appendicitis, four had a retrocecal appendix, and three had appendicoliths. The average total operative time was 51 ± 15 minutes. Overall, the average length of stay was 1.2 ± 0.8 days; however, all patients with nonperforated appendicitis were discharged the day after surgery. All patients were followed postoperatively, and none reported postoperative complications of abscess or wound infection. Cost analysis demonstrated a markedly reduced associated cost for TULAA compared with conventional laparoscopy. TULAA is a safe and effective single-incision approach for early appendicitis that incorporates both open and laparoscopic techniques to provide excellent exploration of the abdomen, a short hospital stay, minimal pain, and an excellent cosmetic result. The technique described is cost-effective, because it does not use any special laparoscopes, trocars, or staplers. When performed as described in this study, only a single trocar and a standard laparoscopic setup are required. Cases of advanced appendicitis may require additional trocars or "conversion" to conventional laparoscopic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our study is to determine whether body mass index (BMI = weight in kg/height in meters²) was related to the rate of negative appendectomy in patients who underwent preoperative CT. A surgical database search performed using the procedure code for appendectomy identified 925 patients at least 18 years of age who underwent urgent appendectomy between January 1998 and September 2007. BMI was computed for the 703 of these 925 patients for whom height and weight information was available. Patients were stratified based on body mass index (BMI 15-18.49 = underweight; 18.5-24.9 = normal weight; 25-29.9 = overweight; 30-39.9 = obese; ≥ 40 = morbidly obese). Negative appendectomy rates were computed. Negative appendectomy rates for patients who did and did not undergo preoperative CT were 27 per cent and 50 per cent for underweight patients, 10 per cent and 15 per cent for normal weight patients, 12 per cent and 17 per cent for overweight patients, 7 per cent and 30 per cent for obese patients, and 10 per cent and 100 per cent for morbidly obese patients. The difference in negative appendectomy rates for overweight patients, obese patients, and morbidly obese patients who underwent preoperative CT as compared with patients in the same BMI category who did not undergo preoperative CT was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). The negative appendectomy rates for overweight patients, obese patients, and morbidly obese patients who underwent preoperative CT were significantly lower than for patients in these same BMI categories who did not undergo preoperative CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography (CT) diagnoses appendicitis accurately, but few studies evaluate how often CT changes the management of appendicitis. Consultations for appendicitis were evaluated by surgeons and assigned to groups: high, indeterminate, and low suspicion. After assignment, CT was reviewed if completed or ordered if desired by the surgeon and changes in plans were noted. One hundred patients were evaluated for appendicitis, 70 received appendectomy. Our negative appendectomy rate was 4 of 70 (5.7%). In the high suspicion group, 63 patients had 23 CT scans performed and 2 CT scans were negative, avoiding unnecessary operation and changing management in 2 of 63 (3.2%). The intermediate suspicion group included 27 patients and 26 CT scans performed; 11 were positive resulting in nine positive appendectomies and changing management in 9 of 27 (33%). The low suspicion group had 7 CT scans performed; two were positive leading to two positive appendectomies and changing management in 2 of 10 (20%). CT promoted 10 of 100 patients to the interval appendectomy pathway with no failures in delayed operative management. CT rarely changes management in patients highly suspicious for appendicitis, but may have a role in selecting patients for interval appendectomy. CT frequently changes management if the clinical diagnosis is indeterminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highest degrees of accuracy have been demonstrated for CT scans using rectal contrast in diagnosing appendicitis. However, the administration of rectal contrast is associated with patient discomfort and rarely, rectosigmoid perforation (0.04%). Additionally, the commonly accepted negative appendectomy rate is around 16 per cent. We performed a retrospective review of radiology, operative, and pathology reports of consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy or CT examination for appendicitis during 2006. CT scans were performed without rectal contrast. The accuracy of each type of inpatient CT examination and negative appendectomy rates were determined. Two hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent appendectomy. One hundred and thirty-four appendectomy patients (56%) received a preoperative CT scan. The negative appendectomy rates were 6.3 per cent overall, 8.7 per cent without CT examination and 4.5 per cent with CT (P = 0.3). Two hundred and forty-five inpatient CT scans were performed for suspected appendicitis with a sensitivity of 90 per cent, specificity of 98 per cent, accuracy of 94 per cent, positive predictive value of 98 per cent, and negative predictive value of 91 per cent. CT scanning without rectal contrast is effective for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis making rectal contrast, with its attendant morbidity, unnecessary. The previously acceptable published negative appendectomy rate is higher than that found in current surgical practice likely due to preoperative CT scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency appendectomy at presentation has been the standard of care for acute appendicitis. We examined the use of antibiotics as an alternative treatment. From September 2002 to August 2003, 170 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis without abscess were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 151) underwent emergency appendectomy and Group II (n = 19) received antibiotics alone. The mode of treatment was at the attending surgeon's discretion. The overall complication rate was eight per cent for Group I and 10 per cent for Group II patients (P = 0.22). Group II patients suffered no complications during antibiotic treatment, and any complications that did occur developed after subsequent appendectomy. One Group It patient had recurrent appendicitis (5%). The length of stay was 2.61 ± 0.21 days for Group I and 2.95 ± 0.38 days for Group It patients (P = 0.57). Patients with acute appendicitis may be treated safely with antibiotics alone without emergency appendectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of initial nonoperative treatment in pediatric perforated appendicitis remains controversial. We examined our outcomes after using this approach in a selective manner. Children with perforated appendicitis treated during a 28-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Antibiotics and delayed appendectomy were used if there were more than 3 days of symptoms, absence of bowel obstruction, absence of diffuse peritonitis, and an appendiceal mass. Of 221 patients with perforated appendicitis, 32 (14%) were treated with this approach. Average age was 7.4 ± 4.2 years. Twenty-eight patients (88%) were successfully managed and 26 (81%) underwent appendectomy 8.6 ± 4.2 weeks after first presentation. Two patients did not respond completely, and underwent appendectomy during the same admission. Two patients initially responded, but had recurrent symptoms necessitating earlier appendectomy. There were no complications. Average total hospital stay was 7.2 ± 3.0 days. Initial nonoperative treatment is highly successful in selected children who meet specific criteria. Failure is not associated with increased morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has gained in popularity in recent years. The number of elderly patients undergoing appendectomy has increased as that segment of the population has increased in number; however, the utility and benefits of LA in the elderly population are not well established. We hypothesized that LA in the elderly has distinctive advantages in perioperative outcomes over open appendectomy (OA). We queried the 1997 to 2003 North Carolina Hospital Association Patient Data System for all patients with the primary ICD-9 procedure code for OA and LA. Patients >65 years of age (elderly) were identified and reviewed. Outcomes including length of stay (LOS), charges, complications, discharge location, and mortality were compared between the groups. There were 29,244 appendectomies performed in adult patients (>18 years old) with 2,722 of these in the elderly. The annual percentage of LA performed in the elderly increased from 1997 to 2003 (11.9-26.9%, P < 0.0001). When compared with OA, elderly patients undergoing LA had a shorter LOS (4.6 vs 7.3 days, P = 0.0001), a higher rate of discharge to home (91.4 vs 78.9%, P = 0.0001) as opposed to a step-down facility, fewer complications (13.0 vs 22.4%, P = 0.0001), and a lower mortality rate (0.4 vs 2.1%, P = 0.007). When LA was compared with OA in elderly patients with perforated appendicitis, LA resulted in a shorter LOS (6.8 vs 9.0 days, P = 0.0001), a higher rate of discharge to home (86.6 vs 70.9%, P = 0.0001), but equivalent total charges ($22,334 vs $23,855, P = 0.93) and mortality (1.0 vs 2.98%, P = 0.10). When elderly patients that underwent LA were compared with adult patients (18-64 years old), they had higher total charges ($16,670 vs $11,160, P = 0.0001) but equivalent mortality (0.37 vs 0.15%, P = 0.20). The use of laparoscopy in the elderly has significantly increased in recent years. In general, the safety and efficacy of LA is demonstrated by a reduction in mortality, complications, and LOS when compared with OA. The laparoscopic approach to the perforated appendix in the elderly patient has advantages over OA in terms of decreased LOS and a higher rate of discharge to home as opposed to rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or skilled nursing care. When compared with all younger adults, the laparoscopic approach in the elderly was associated with equal mortality rates even though hospitalization charges were higher. Laparoscopy may be the preferred approach in elderly patients who require appendectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased use of computed tomography (CT) in patients with appendicitis may cause a delay in surgery and, therefore, higher perforation rates. We examined the use of CT, delay in time to surgery, and perforation rates in appendicitis patients operated on in two periods: Phase 1, 1996 through 1998 and Phase 2, 2001 through 2002. CT was performed in 18 per cent of the Phase 1 group compared with 62 per cent in the Phase 2 group. In the Phase 1 group, patients undergoing CT had a delay to surgery compared with those without CT (18.6 hours vs 7 hours; P < 0.0001). In the Phase 2 group, time to surgery was reduced (median time = 12 hours with CT vs 6 hours without CT; P < 0.001). CT was more accurate in the later group; there were less false-negative and equivocal studies. There was no difference in perforation rates between the Phase 1 and 2 groups. Over time, the increased use, efficiency, and accuracy of CT in patients with acute appendicitis were associated with reduced delays to surgery. The use of CT did not harm patients, but did not translate to better overall outcomes in this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although significant work has been presented on this subject in pediatric, infectious disease, and epidemiologic literature, there is a noteworthy lack of information on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in any surgical journals. As this disease can present with signs and symptoms often ascribed to the acute abdomen, it is imperative that the general surgeon, pediatric surgeon, and colorectal surgeon are all familiar with this infection and its clinical ramifications. A case report followed by a review of the literature is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the elements associated with delay in the evaluation of acute appendicitis at a community teaching hospital. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing operative exploration for presumed appendicitis in a 12-month period. Cases were categorized by the presence or absence of advanced radiographic imaging. Demographic information and time intervals from triage to operative incision were compared. One hundred twenty-four patients underwent operative exploration for presumed appendicitis. Forty-one patients had no advanced imaging, 67 had a CT scan, 8 had a sonogram, and 8 had both CT/sonogram. Patients using advanced radiographic imaging prior to operative exploration were no less likely to have a normal appendix at surgery. Diagnostic imaging significantly increased the preoperative emergency department length of stay. Two-thirds of patients with presumed acute appendicitis were imaged before operative exploration. The use of abdominal CT and sonogram resulted in significantly increased preoperative emergency department length of stay with no apparent improvement in diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional treatment of acute appendicitis is appendectomy followed by intravenous (IV) antibiotics until intraabdominal infection has resolved. It is controversial as to whether it is efficacious to add a course of oral antibiotics after cessation of IV antibiotics. All consenting patients who presented to Kern Medical Center between October 2000 and June 2003 with acute appendicitis were entered into the study. Perforated/gangrenous appendicitis was equally represented in the two study arms. After appendectomy, and when IV antibiotics were ready to be discontinued, patients were randomized to receive a 7-day outpatient course of either placebo (Group 1) or oral antibiotics (Group 2). Patients were monitored for infectious complications for a minimum of 3 months, and there was no statistical difference (11.5% in Group 1 vs 12.1% in Group 2, P = 0.61). The data suggest that adding a course of outpatient oral antibiotics, after completing a course of IV antibiotics, does not decrease postoperative infectious complications in appendicitis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of simple appendectomy versus right hemicolectomy in the treatment of localized adenocarcinoid of the appendix. A literature review of retrospective chart reviews from 1966 to March 1, 2003, was performed. Outcomes of retrospective chart reviews were assessed on the basis of treatment modality. Meta-analysis of studies by determining odds ratios for appendectomy versus extended resection using the Hunter-Schmidt meta-analytic method was performed. One hundred patients from 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Seven per cent failure rate with appendectomy alone and 10 per cent with extended resection were observed [OR 1.9 (0.6-5.8); association X² 1.15, 1 df, P = 0.28]. Our data supports the use of appendectomy alone in localized cases of adenocarcinoid of the appendix provided there is no cecal involvement and the tumor's histology is low grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the status of health-care insurance changes in the United States, studies have indicated that uninsured patients are less likely to receive timely and quality health care. Previous studies of appendicitis have shown that insurance status may effect the stage of presentation and outcome. However, these studies were based on databases lacking information regarding stage of presentation, timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, and character of hospitalization (length of stay, duration of antibiotic therapy, hospital costs). We accomplished a case control study, retrospective analysis of 975 patients treated for acute appendicitis between January 1996 and December 1999. Times to operation, number of preoperative outpatient visits, number of studies, severity of presentation, length of antibiotics and hospital stay, and hospital costs were analyzed [analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques, P < 0.05 significant]. We sought answers to the following: (1) Did insurance status affect the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment? (2) Did insurance status affect the stage of presentation? (3) Did insurance status affect hospitalization, as measured by length of stay, duration of antibiotic therapy, and hospital costs? (4) Did age affect outcome independent of insurance status? There were no correlations between insurance status and timeliness of diagnosis or severity of presentation. Length of stay and hospital costs were also not different between insurance categories. Pediatric patients (<12 years old) and the elderly (>65 years old) presented with more advanced appendicitis, independent of insurance category. In contrast to previously published data, the treatment of acute appendicitis is not affected by insurance coverage in the sample community. Age and timeliness of presentation were the only factors correlating to outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the optimal treatment for abscess complicating acute appendicitis. The objective of this study is to compare immediate appendectomy (IMM APP) versus expectant management (EXP MAN) including percutaneous drainage with or without interval appendectomy to treat periappendiceal abscess. One hundred four patients with acute appendicitis complicated by periappendiceal abscess were identified. We compared 36 patients who underwent IMM APP with 68 patients who underwent EXP MAN. Outcome measures included morbidity and length of hospital stay. The groups were similar with regard to age (30.6 ± 12.3 vs. 34.8 ± 13.5 years), gender (61% vs. 62% males), admission WBC count (17.5 ± 5.1 x 10³ VS. 17.0 ± 4.8 x 10³ cells/dL), and admission temperature (37.9 ± 1.2 vs. 37.8 ± 0.9 Fahrenheit). IMM APP patients had a higher rate of complications than EXP MAN patients at initial hospitalization (58% vs. 15%, P < 0.001) and for all hospitalizations (67% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). The IMM APP group also had a longer initial (14.8 ± 16.1 vs. 9.0 ± 4.8 days, P = 0.01) and overall hospital stay (15.3 ± 16.2 vs. 10.7 ± 5.4 days, P = 0.04). We conclude that percutaneous drainage and interval appendectomy is preferable to immediate appendectomy for treatment of appendiceal abscess because it leads to a lower complication rate and a shorter hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify clinical parameters that may help distinguish periappendicitis from the more common clinical entity of acute appendicitis. Serosal inflammation of the appendix without mucosal involvement constitutes the condition known as periappendicitis. In most situations this is a sequel of extra-appendicular sepsis and is likely to benefit from treatment targeted to the underlying pathology. But the majority of these cases are initially treated for acute appendicitis as clinical distinction between the two conditions is difficult. In this study some commonly used clinical yardsticks have been analyzed with respect to their value in this subtle diagnosis. We reviewed 231 successive cases clinically diagnosed as acute appendicitis; of these 18 had histologically demonstrated periappendicitis. Eight parameters were studied: age, gender, temperature, white blood cell count, location and duration of pain, associated symptoms, and peritoneal signs. Significant statistical differences were found between the two groups with regard to pain location, pain duration, and the presence of peritoneal signs. It maybe possible to suspect periappendicitis preoperatively with meticulous clinical assessment. This may be of value in avoiding missed nonappendicular pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A perceived high rate of complicated (gangrenous or perforated) appendicitis, despite advances in laboratory and radiographic diagnostic modalities, prompted a review of our experience with appendicitis followed by a prospective analysis that examined the time course from presentation to definitive treatment in 218 consecutive patients. In 5755 appendectomies, our overall rate of complicated appendicitis was 32 per cent; higher in males, in the young, and in the elderly; and relatively stable over each year reviewed. Prospectively, we determined that of the various time intervals, the time from the onset of symptoms to first seeking medical attention is the only significant predictor of complicated appendicitis (39.8 vs 16.5 hours for acute appendicitis). On the other hand, the time from surgical evaluation to operative intervention was significantly shorter for complicated appendicitis (3.8 vs 4.7 hours for acute appendicitis). The high rate of complicated appendicitis with its subsequent sequelae of increased morbidity and resource expenditure is primarily the direct result of patient delay in seeking medical attention and not the result of diagnostic dilemma or surgical delay. Public education, specifically targeting those groups at risk, may provide a substantial and significant solution to the complicated appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal initial treatment for perforated appendicitis may be nonoperative. For this reason it is important to be able to reliably distinguish between acute and perforated appendicitis. CT scanning has been shown to be highly accurate for the diagnosis of appendicitis, but it has not been specifically evaluated for perforated appendicitis. Our objective was to evaluate CT for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Our study population comprised 84 patients who underwent appendectomy between 1993 and 1997 and who had CT scanning performed preoperatively. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. CT scans were reviewed in a blinded fashion. CT findings were correlated with pathologic and clinical factors. Sixteen patients with acute appendicitis, 59 patients with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, and 9 patients with normal appendices or other diagnoses were evaluated. For patients with pathologic documentation of appendicitis, CT findings that independently predict perforation or gangrene included abscess (P < 0.001), phlegmon (P < 0.001), extraluminal gas (P = 0.01), and terminal ileal wall thickening (P = 0.03). CT findings of an abscess, extraluminal gas, or phlegmon have a sensitivity of 92 per cent, specificity of 88 per cent, positive predictive value of 96 per cent, and negative predictive value of 74 per cent for perforated or gangrenous appendicitis. We conclude that CT can reliably distinguish between acute and perforated appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which compared ticarcillin/clavulanate with imipenem/cilistatin for the treatment of infections associated with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis. Background of the study; Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

Studies the efficacy of initial nonoperative management for perforated appendicitis complicated by phlegm or abscess. Patients; Conservative management; Follow-up; Cancer screening; Interval appendectomy.

The article discusses a case study which examined whether acute appendicitis in adult patients is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. The study involved 257 patients who underwent appendectomy at the first Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University between November 2009 and October 2011. It used the t test and Fisher's exact test to analyze the statistical differences between two groups of patients who underwent appendectomy.

The article presents a case study in which a 37-year-old white man is diagnosed with villous adenoma in the appendix. The article notes computed tomography (CT) scans showed a cystic mass and appendix wall calcifications so the patient was treated with oral antibiotics. It also notes the patient returned three weeks later with symptoms of appendicitis and an appendectomy and partial cecal resection was performed. Screening colonoscopies are recommended to detect carcinoma.

A case study of a helminth parasitic infestation in a 29-year-old pregnant Hispanic woman's appendix is presented. The article notes her symptoms of abdominal pain and emesis and white blood cell count of 11.5 K/mL led to a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It also notes the pathologic examination of the appendix after removal. The article also mentions the diagnosis and treatment of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata tapeworms.

The article focuses on a study which examined whether basic laboratory testing could assist in predicting the severity of appendicitis. The study included 786 adults, aged 18 years old or older, with a histopathologic diagnosis of acute appendicitis between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2008. It found that basic baseline laboratory testing adds little to no significant value appendicitis prediction.

A letter to the editor is presented about a case of cystadenoma of the appendix coexisting with appendiceal duplication.

Dermoids are mature teratomas lined with a stratified squamous epithelium. They are known to present anywhere in the body, mostly with minimal or no associated symptoms. The authors present the case of a 44-year-old man who presented with an acute abdomen suggestive of appendiceal disease. On surgical exploration, the patient was found to have an inflamed cystic lesion in the mesoappendix that was resected and diagnosed as a dermoid cyst on pathological examination. This is the seventh case in the literature of a periappendiceal dermoid, but the first that presents in such a manner. This report is presented because of its important clinical applications for the general surgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a rare and often misdiagnosed cause of acute abdominal pain. Though a benign and often self-limiting condition, EA's ability to mimic other disease processes makes it an important consideration in patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. Careful evaluation of abdominal CT scan findings is crucial in the accurate diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis, thus avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention. We report a case of a 29-year-old male presenting with a two day history of generalized abdominal pain. Physical exam revealed a diffusely tender abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds. The patient had a leukocytosis of 18,000 and abdominal CT scan revealed right lower quadrant inflammatory changes suggestive of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic exploration revealed an inflamed gangrenous structure adjacent to the ileocecal junction. Pathologic evaluation revealed tissue consistent with epiploic appendagitis. Retrospective review of the CT scan revealed a normal appearing appendiceal structure superolateral to the area of inflammation. The patient recovered uneventfully with resolving leukocytosis. We present a case of cecal epiploic appendagitis mimicking acute appendicitis and review the current literature on radiographic findings, diagnosis, and treatment of this often misdiagnosed condition. General surgeons should be aware of this self-limiting condition and consider this in the differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of appendiceal diverticulitis in pathologic specimens is 0.004 to 2.1 per cent and is unusual in younger patients. Despite being first described in 1893, this condition is commonly dismissed by surgeons and pathologists as a variant of true appendicitis. However, appendiceal diverticulitis is a discrete clinical process that must be considered in the appropriate setting because of the much higher risk of perforation. The average age is older, the pain is often intermittent, and although it can be localized in the right lower abdominal quadrant, it is of longer duration. Although no further treatment in addition to appendectomy is needed, it is important that surgeons be aware of this condition, as the clinical presentation can be different from the classical acute appendicitis picture. Patients often seek medical treatment much later than those with classic appendicitis, and if there is a delay in establishing the correct diagnosis, perforation within the mesentery is found at the time of operation. Also, it is often mistakenly identified as carcinoma and it has higher rate of perforation and a longer convaslescence. We describe a case of a 42-year-old man and review the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendicitis due to foreign bodies is rare. Foreign bodies leading to appendicitis or perforation are usually sharp, pointed objects. Lead shot can become lodged in the appendix. Few prior cases have shown a causal relationship between the presence of pellets in the appendix and acute appendicitis. We present the case of a 9-year-old white boy who presented to the emergency room with a 36-hour history of right lower quadrant pain over McBurney's point accompanied by anorexia. The patient's history was significant for consumption of pheasant meat 4 days before onset of symptoms. The pheasant had been shot with a shotgun. X-ray of the child's abdomen-revealed a metallic foreign body in the right lower quadrant. Appendectomy was performed. Bird shot was found obstructing the lumen of the grossly inflamed appendix. Pathology was consistent with acute appendicitis. This case is presented as an interesting consequence of bird shot ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a horseshoe appendix, a cause of acute appendicitis in a 34-year-old woman admitted with nausea, abdominal pain, and fever for two days. The patient underwent ultrasonography, which revealed phlegmonous appendicitis and periappendiceal inflammation. It states that the mesoappendix of the patient was ligated and the two stumps were sutured.

Provides a study that identified several prognostic markers in the presentation of acute appendicitis. Methodology; Factors responsible for the increasing rate of gangrene and perforation; Diagnosis of the disease.

The article presents a retrospective study of 913 cases of acute appendicitis from January 1, 2004-December 31, 2009. Topics include acute appendicitis in children infected with the parasitic human pathogen Enterobius vermicularis, or pinworm, an overview of E. vermicularis' life cycle, and the population demographics and incidence of Enterobius appendicitis in the U.S.

A case study is presented of 23-year-old man experiencing intermittent right iliac fossa pain. Abdominal radiography and computed tomography (CT) indicated the presence of an appendicular calculus. The patient underwent laparotomy and resection of the retrocecal appendix, where acute appendicitis and a giant appendicolith calcification were revealed. The appendicolith and appendicitis were successfully treated by the appendectomy.

The article focuses on a study which reviewed appendectomies performed at The Mount Sinai Medical Center between January 2005 and December 2010. The study found 3,252 appendectomies performed at the center during the study period, 78 percent of which were performed laparoscopically. It also discovered two reoperation for stump appendicitis, a rare complication following appendectomy. Study authors notes that although stump appendicitis is rare, its should remain a differential diagnosis.

The article describes the case of a 15-year old male with acute subhepatic appendicitis and malrotation. The patient underwent an abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan. There are common misdiagnoses for subhepatic appendicitis. The patient was treated via laparoscopy. Acute appendicitis has peak incidences according to age, and various positions of the appendix have been described with peak incidences of the illness.

The article describes the case of a 40-year-old man diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis as revealed through computed tomography. The patient was admitted to the emergency room due to a right lower quadrant abdominal pain which started two days prior. Symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and tenderness in the right upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen are explored. After two days of being hospitalized, he recovered well with the treatment.

The article describes a case series of ingestion and appendiceal sequestration of metallic mercury. In one case, mercury was removed via a colonoscope with a ball-tipped endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catherer. A suicidal 57-year-old man deliberately ingested mercury and subsequently experienced right lower quadrant pain and headaches. He was later diagnosed with appendicitis in the presence of retained mercury.

The article discusses primary appendiceal lymphoma presenting as acute appendicitis in a 37-year-old man. Laparoscopy revealed an inflamed oedematous appendix with abscesses which was removed using a laparoscopic procedure. The enlarged appendix with periappendiceal abscesses and diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma are discussed. The patient was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the appendix.

The article presents a case study of a 57 year old female patient who presented to physicians with symptoms of abdominal pain and cramping. A discussion of diagnostic testing which was conducted on the patient, and resulted in her receiving a diagnosis of appendicitis which was caused by a goblet cell carcinoid tumor, is presented.

A letter to the editor of "The American Surgeon" is presented regarding a case of strangulation of the vermiform appendix within a right inguinal hernia in a 75-year-old woman.

Many surgeons are familiar with Amyand hernia, which is an inguinal hernia sac containing an appendix. However, few surgeons know of the contribution of Rene Jacques Croissant de Garengeot, an 18th century Parisian surgeon, to hernias. He is quoted in the literature as the first to describe the appendix in a femoral hernia sac. We discuss the case of an 81-year-old woman who presented with appendicitis within a femoral hernia, a rare finding at surgery that is almost never diagnosed preoperatively. We also propose crediting Croissant de Garengeot by naming this condition after him. Although his full last name is Croissant de Garengeot, for convenience we suggest the simple diagnosis of "de Garengeot hernia." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]