The Process of Treating Pediatric Appendicitis

Abstract

Background. A large service and distant geographical area can make the process of diagnosing and treating appendicitis a challenge. Methods. Hospital records of children treated for appendicitis between 2007 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed, including time from emergency (ER) to operating room (OR), diagnostic imaging (DI) utilization, preoperative antibiotic usage, operating time, length of stay (LOS), and perforation rate. Results. The perforation rate was 34%, with longer LOS. Transfer time to the children’s hospital between ER inside and outside the city was not different. ER to OR time was significantly shorter for patients assessed at the children’s hospital directly. Ultrasound remained the most used DI modality (55%). Preoperative antibiotics were only fully administered in 42% of the cases. Conclusion. A clinical pathway for pediatric appendicitis may address the challenges of the process of pre-ER, ER to OR, and OR care to maintain an acceptable perforation rate.