Increase in perforated appendicitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic quarantine, Study says

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2021-04-27 02:15 GMT | Update On 2021-04-27 08:53 GMT

Researchers have recently retrospectively analyzed that there was an overall increased rate of perforated appendicitis seen during quarantine period under the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with perforated appendicitis had an increased length of stay, longer operative time, and increased rate of complications, explains Paige Finkelstein and colleagues from the Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA in their recent study.

The study is published in the Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques.

The corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) imposed new public health constraints that deterred people from coming to the hospital. The outcome of patients who developed appendicitis during mandated COVID-19 quarantine has yet to be examined.

Therefore, the authors conducted the study to to establish whether there was an increased rate of perforated appendicitis seen during COVID-19 quarantine. Secondary objectives included observing the type of procedure performed, length of stay, and associated complications.

This retrospective analysis was designed to look at the rates of appendicitis and perforated appendicitis observed during mandatory "safer at home order". The same time period a year earlier was used for comparative analysis.

The study utilized data gathered from a single health care system, which consisted of a large regional referral center with three emergency rooms (ERs). Patients were included in the study if they presented to any ER in our health care system with a chief complaint of acute appendicitis.

Perforated appendicitis was determined either radiographicallyp or intraoperatively. Interventions included surgery, percutaneous drainage, or medical management.

The key findings highlighted were-

a. There were 107 patients who were included.

b. During quarantine, a total of 48 patients presented with acute appendicitis, with 16 perforations, compared with the previous year where 59 patients presented with acute appendicitis, with 10 perforations (33% versus 17% P = .04).

c. Most patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (91%, n = 98), six patients (6%) were managed with intravenous antibiotics and 3 patients (3%) with percutaneous drainage. d. Patients who perforated had a longer duration of symptoms (2 versus 1, P = .03), white blood cell count (13,190 versus 15,960 cells/mm3, P = .09), and longer operative time (72 versus 89 minutes, P = .01).

d. Patients who perforated had an increased length of stay and rate of complication.

Hence, it was concluded that "there was an overall increased rate of perforated appendicitis seen during quarantine compared with the previous year. Patients with perforated appendicitis had an increased length of stay, longer operative time, and increased rate of complications. Thus, although people were staying home due to public health safety orders, it negatively impacted those who developed appendicitis who may have presented to the hospital otherwise sooner."

Article Source : Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Increase in perforated appendicitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic quarantine, Study says

Similar News

Metronidazole effectively reduces pain in patients after hemorrhoidectomy: Study

Rheumatoid Arthritis May Worsen Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Increase Risk of Postoperative Recurrence: Study Finds

Use of suction drainage in TKA associated with increased blood loss: study

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Safe and Feasible in Pregnancy: Study

Surgery in kids with mild sleep-disordered breathing tied to fewer doctor visits: JAMA

PRP Found Effective in Enhancing Wound Healing in Burn Patients: Study

Silver Dressings Cut Healing Time More Than Iodine in Wounds, suggests study

Low Mini-Midvastus Approach for Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty: surgical technique