Clinical significance of peri-appendiceal abscess and phlegmon in acute complicated appendicitis patients undergoing emergency appendectomy.

BACKGROUND

Although antibiotic therapy has become the primary treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis, the management of acute complicated appendicitis necessitates careful consideration of various treatment options.

AIM: To analyze the clinical data of patients who underwent emergency appendectomy for acute complicated appendicitis with peri-appendiceal abscess or phlegmon, identify factors influencing the postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS), and improve treatment strategies.

METHODS

The clinical data of acute complicated appendicitis patients with peri-appendiceal abscess or phlegmon who underwent emergency appendectomy at The Department of Emergency Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2016 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 234 patients were included in our study. The duration of symptoms and the presence of an appendicolith were significantly correlated with the occurrence of peri-appendiceal abscess in patients with acute complicated appendicitis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). Patients with symptoms lasting longer than 72 h had a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with symptoms lasting 72 h or less [hazard ratio (HR), 1.208; 95%CI: 1.107-1.319; P < 0.001]. Additionally, patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses had a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with phlegmon (HR, 1.217; 95%CI: 1.095-1.352; P < 0.001). The patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses were divided into two groups based on the median size of the abscess: Those with abscesses smaller than 5.0 cm (n = 69) and those with abscesses 5.0 cm or larger (n = 82). Patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses measuring 5.0 cm or larger had a significantly longer postoperative LOS than those with abscesses smaller than 5.0 cm (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The duration of symptoms and the presence of an appendicolith are significant risk factors for the formation of peri-appendiceal abscesses in patients with acute complicated appendicitis. Patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses experience a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with peri-appendiceal phlegmon.