Effect of time delays for appendectomy as observed on computed tomography in patients with noncomplicated appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES

Delaying appendectomy is a controversial issue. This study aimed at identifying the effect of time delays in surgery, especially for patients with noncomplicated appendicitis on computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Postappendectomy patients were analyzed from October 2013 to August 2014. Among the patients, data of those with findings of noncomplicated appendicitis on CT were gathered and the following time parameters were reviewed: CT examination time and appendectomy time. Other basic information and postoperative complications were checked. Patients were divided into a noncomplicated appendicitis group and a complicated appendicitis group. Perforated appendicitis and periappendiceal abscesses were regarded as complicated appendicitis. All other appendicitis from simple, focal to suppurative, and gangrenous appendicitis were regarded as noncomplicated appendicitis.

RESULTS

In total, 397 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 33.2 years and the number of male/female patients was 216:181, respectively. The mean times from CT to operation were 5.9 vs 6.3hours for both the noncomplicated and complicated appendicitis groups (P=.758). The time from CT to operation showed no statistical relation to occurrences of complicated appendicitis, or postoperative complications such as ileuses, wound complications, and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The time from CT to operation has no effect on the results of appendicitis. Further study in large-scaled, multicenter setting might yield more reliable results.