Is appendoscope a new option for the treatment of acute appendicitis?

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.It is commonly caused by obstruction of the appendiceal lumen due to fecaliths,tumors,or lymphoid hyperplasia.For over a century,appendectomy has been the primary treatment for acute appendicitis.Abraham Groves performed the first open appendectomy in 1883.In 1983,Kurt Semm completed the first laparoscopic appendectomy,heralding a new era in appendectomy.However,appendectomy is associated with certain complications and a rate of negative appendectomies.Studies have suggested controversy over the impact of appendectomy on the development of inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson’s disease,but an increasing number of studies indicate a possible positive correlation between appendectomy and colorectal cancer,gallstones,and cardiovascular disease.With the recognition that the appendix is not a vestigial organ and the advancement of endoscopic technology,Liu proposed the endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy.It is an effective minimally invasive alternative for treating uncomplicated acute appendicitis.Our team has developed an appendoscope with a disposable digital imaging system operated through the biopsy channel of a colonoscope and successfully applied it in the treatment of appendicitis.This article provides an overview of the progress in endoscopic treatment for acute appendicitis and offers a new perspective on the future direction of appendiceal disease treatment.

Added value of ratio of cross diameters of the appendix in ultrasound diagnosis of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND The maximum outer diameter(MOD)of the appendix is an essential parameter for diagnosing acute appendicitis,but there is space for improvement in ultrasound(US)diagnostic performance.AIM To investigate whether combining the ratio of the cross diameters(RATIO)of the appendix with MOD of the appendix can enhance the diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted,and medical records of 233 patients with acute appendicitis and 112 patients with a normal appendix were reviewed.The MOD and RATIO of the appendix were calculated and tested for their diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis,both individually and in combination.RESULTS The RATIO for a normal appendix was 1.32±0.16,while for acute appendicitis it was 1.09±0.07.The cut-off value for RATIO was determined to be≤1.18.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)for diagnosing acute appendicitis using RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm was 0.870 and 0.652,respectively.There was a significant difference in AUC between RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm(P<0.0001).When comparing the combination of RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm with MOD>6 mm alone,the combination showed increased specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and AUC.However,the sensitivity and negative predictive value decreased.CONCLUSION Combining RATIO of the appendix≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm can significantly improve the specificity,PPV,and AUC in the US diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Evaluation of the clinical effects of atropine in combination with remifentanil in children undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis(AA)is the most common cause of acute abdomen in children.Anesthesia significantly influences the surgical treatment of AA in children,making the scientific and effective selection of anesthetics crucial.AIM To assess the clinical effect of atropine(ATR)in combination with remifentanil(REMI)in children undergoing surgery for AA.METHODS In total,108 cases of pediatric AA treated between May 2020 and May 2023 were selected,58 of which received ATR+REMI[research group(RG)]and 50 who received REMI[control group(CG)].Comparative analyses were conducted on the time to loss of eyelash reflex,pain resolution time,recovery time from anesthesia,incidence of adverse events(AEs;respiratory depression,hypoxemia,bradycardia,nausea and vomiting,and hypotension),intraoperative responses(head shaking,limb activity,orientation recovery,safe departure time from the operating room),hemodynamic parameters[oxygen saturation(SPO2),mean arterial pressure,heart rate,and respiratory rate],postoperative sedation score(Ramsay score),and pain level[the Face,Legs,Activity,Cry,Consolability(FLACC)Behavioral Scale].RESULTS Compared with the CG,the RG showed significantly shorter time to loss of eyelash reflex,pain resolution,recovery from anesthesia,and safe departure from the operating room.Furthermore,the incidence rates of overall AEs(head shaking,limb activity,etc.)were lower,and influences on intraoperative hemodynamic parameters and stress response indexes were fewer.The Ramsay score at 30 min after extubation and the FLACC score at 60 min after extubation were significantly lower in the RG than in the CG.CONCLUSION ATR+REMI is superior to REMI alone in children undergoing AA surgery,with a lower incidence of AEs,fewer influences on hemodynamics and stress responses,and better post-anesthesia recovery.

Analysis of the Clinical Value of Surgical Treatment and Postoperative Anti-Infection Treatment of Acute Suppurative Appendicitis

Objective: To explore the clinical value of surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment for acute suppurative appendicitis. Methods: A total of 116 patients with acute suppurative appendicitis were enrolled in this study. The collection period was from December 2021 to December 2023. The patients were randomly grouped into a control group (surgical treatment) and an observation group (surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment), of 58 patients each. At the end of the treatment, the results of each index of the two groups were compared. Results: The length of hospitalization time, exhaust time, and incidence of complications in the observation group were shorter than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It is crucial to perform anti-infective treatment promptly after surgical treatment in patients with acute suppurative appendicitis. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of complications and improve the clinical efficacy. Hence, it is worthy of research and promotion.

Clinical study of enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendici

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)protocol is a comprehensive manage-ment modality that promotes patient recovery,especially in the patients undergo-ing digestive tumor surgeries.However,it is less commonly used in the appen-dectomy.AIM To study the application value of ERAS in laparoscopic surgery for acute appen-dicitis.METHODS A total of 120 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were divided into experimental group and control group by random number table method,including 63 patients in the experimental group and 57 patients in the control group.Patients in the experimental group were managed with the ERAS protocol,and those in the control group were received the tra-ditional treatment.The exhaust time,the hospitalization duration,the hospita-lization expense and the pain score between the two groups were compared.RESULTS There was no significant difference in age,gender,body mass index and Sunshine Appendicitis Grading System score between the experimental group and the con-trol group(P>0.05).Compared to the control group,the patients in the expe-rimental group had earlier exhaust time,shorter hospitalization time,less hospi-talization cost and lower degree of pain sensation.The differences were statis-tically significant(P<0.01).CONCLUSION ERAS could significantly accelerate the recovery of patients who underwent la-paroscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis,shorten the hospitalization time and reduce hospitalization costs.It is a safe and effective approach.

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Characteristics of Acute Appendicitis at the Reference Health Center in Commune I of the District of Bamako Mali

Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency. This work is a prospective study from January 2012 to December to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of acute appendicitis in the Cs ref of commune I of the district of Bamako and the results obtained were then compared with those reported in other countries. Our study included 72 patients. The appendectomy surgical specimens were the subject of an anatomical pathology study at Point G University Hospital in Bamako in Mali, 1.4% of cases of which were healthy. All our operated patients received antibiotics (mono or dual antibiotics) with a post-operative hospitalization duration of 1.5 (36 hours) days on average. We recorded 6 complications such as parietal suppuration, i.e. 8.33% of cases. No 5th day syndrome or late complications were noted. The average length of hospitalization was 36 hours. Abdominal ultrasound;used as an additional examination was carried out in 55 of our patients or 76.39% of cases. We have not recorded any deaths. Raising awareness among patients about the dangers of complications motivated patients to undergo surgery as soon as possible.

Unusual Cause of Acute Appendicitis: Bone Fragment

Foreign bodies are a rare cause of appendicitis, because in most cases these ingested foreign bodies cross the digestive tract asymptomatically [1] [2] [3]. However, some penetrate the lumen of the appendix causing its inflammation. We report an unusual observation of acute appendicitis induced by a foreign body namely a bone fragment in the visceral surgery department of the Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Villeneuve Saint-Georges.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Appendectomy Compared to Laparotomy in the Treatment of Acute Appendicitis

Objective:To analyze the clinical effects of laparoscopic appendectomy compared to traditional laparotomy in treating acute appendicitis.Methods:90 patients with acute appendicitis were selected as research subjects.They were divided into a control group and an observation group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group underwent traditional laparotomy,while the observation group underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.The intraoperative indicators,postoperative recovery indicators,postoperative stress indicators,and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The operative time of the observation group was longer,but the incision length was shorter and the blood loss was lesser(P<0.05);the observation group had shorter postoperative first gas-passing time,recovery of gastrointestinal function,ambulation time,and lower postoperative pain score.The observation group had lower postoperative stress index levels(P<0.05);the observation group had a lower postoperative complication rate(P<0.05).Conclusion:Aside from prolonging the operative time,laparoscopic appendectomy is more ideal than traditional laparotomy in all other indicators and has better therapeutic effects in treating acute appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis following endoscopic mucosal resection of cecal adenoma

Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) allows the removal of flat or sessile lesions, laterally spreading tumors, and carcinoma of the colon or the rectum limited to the mucosa or the superficial submucosa. Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency requiring emergency surgery, and it is also a rare complication of diagnostic colonoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy, including EMR. In the case presented here, a 53-year-old female underwent colonoscopy due to a positive fecal occult blood test and was diagnosed with cecal adenoma. She was referred to our hospital and admitted for treatment. The patient had no other symptoms. EMR was performed, and 7 h after the surgery, the patient experienced right-lower abdominal pain. Laboratory tests performed the following day revealed a WBC count of 16000/mm3, a neutrophil count of 14144/mm3, and a C-reactive protein level of 2.20 mg/d L, indicating an inflammatory response. Computed tomography also revealed appendiceal wall thickening and swelling, so acute appendicitis following EMR was diagnosed. Antibiotics were initiated leading to total resolution of the symptoms, and the patient was discharged on the sixth post-operative day. Pathological analysis revealed a high-grade cecal tubular adenoma. Such acute appendicitis following EMR is extremely rare, and EMR of the cecum may be a rare cause of acute appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis: Epidemiology, treatment and outcomesanalysis of 16544 consecutive cases

AIM To investigate the epidemiology,treatment and outcomes of acute appendicitis(AA) in a large population study.METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study derived from the administrative dataset of the Bergamo district healthcare system(more than 1 million inhabitants) from 1997 to 2013.Data about treatment,surgery,length of stay were collected.Moreover for each patients were registered data about relapse of appendicitis and hospital admission due to intestinal obstruction.RESULTS From 1997 to 2013 in the Bergamo district we collected 16544 cases of AA,with a crude incidence rate of 89/100000 inhabitants per year; mean age was 24.51 ± 16.17,54.7% were male and the mean Charlson's comorbidity index was 0.32 ± 0.92.Mortality was < 0.0001%.Appendectomy was performed in 94.7% of the patients and the mean length of stay was 5.08 ± 2.88 d; the cumulative hospital stay was 5.19 ± 3.36 d and 1.2% of patients had at least one further hospitalization due intestinal occlusion.Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 48% of cases.Percent of 5.34 the patients were treated conservatively with a mean length of stay of 3.98 ± 3.96 d; the relapse rate was 23.1% and the cumulative hospital stay during the study period was 5.46 ± 6.05 d.CONCLUSION The treatment of acute appendicitis in Northern Italy is slowly changing,with the large diffusion of laparoscopic approach; conservative treatment of non-complicated appendicitis is still a neglected option,but rich of promising results.

Acute appendicitis: What is the gold standard of treatment?

McBurney’s procedure represented the gold-standard for acute appendicitis until 1981,but nowadays the number of laparoscopic appendectomies has progressively increased since it has been demonstrated to be a safe procedure,with excellent cosmetic results and it also allows a shorter hospitalization,a quicker and less painful postoperative recovery.The aim of this editorial was to perform a review of the literature in order to address controversial issues in the treatment of acute appendicitis.

Seasonal variations of acute appendicitis and nonspecific abdominal pain in Finland

AIM:To investigate whether seasonal changes had an effect on the incidence of acute appendicitis(AA)or nonspecific abdominal pain(NSAP).METHODS:We carried out a national register study of all patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis of AA and acute NSAP in Finland.Data were analyzed for the whole country and correlated to seasonal and weather parameters(temperature,humidity).Moreover,additional sub-analyses were performed for five geographically different area of Finland.RESULTS:The observation period spanned 21 years,with 186558 appendectomies,of which 137528(74%)cases were reported as AA.The incidence of AA declined for 32%over the study period.The average incidence of the NSAP was 34/10000 per year.The mean annual temperature,but not relative humidity,showed clear geographical variations.The incidence of AA decreased significantly during the cold months of the year.No correlation was detected between temperature and incidence of NSAP.Humidity had a statistically significant impact on NSAP.CONCLUSION:The incidence of acute appendicitis is declining in Finland.We detected a clear seasonality in the incidence of AA and NSAP.

Clinical and computed tomography findings of appendiceal diverticulitis vs acute appendicitis

AIM: To study the clinical features and computed tomography(CT) findings of appendiceal diverticulitis vs acute appendicitis.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 451 patients who had undergone appendectomy inour in stitution from January 2007 to September 2012. Patient demographics, clinical features, pathological findings, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. We also compared preoperative CT images of 25 patients with appendiceal diverticulitis with those of 25 patients with acute appendicitis.RESULTS: Among 451 patients, 44(9.7%) were diagnosed to have appendiceal diverticulitis and 398(86.9%) to have acute appendicitis. Patients with appendiceal diverticulitis were older(59 vs 37 years, P < 0.001) and had a longer duration of the illness(4.0 d vs 1.0 d, P < 0.001). Perforation rates in patients with appendiceal diverticulitis were higher(68% vs 27%, P < 0.001). The appendix could be visualized in only 13 patients(52%) among the appendiceal diverticulitis cases, but in all acute appendicitis cases. CT findings suggestive of appendiceal diverticulitis included the absence of fluid collection in the appendix(84% vs 12%, P < 0.001), absence of appendicolith(92% vs 52%, P = 0.005), and formation of abscess(68% vs 16%, P < 0.001). Appendiceal diverticula were identified in 6 patients(24%).CONCLUSION: Among patients who had undergone appendectomy, 9.7% had appendiceal diverticulitis. Patients with appendiceal diverticulitis had different clinical features and CT findings from patients with acute appendicitis.

Evaluation of modifi ed Alvarado scoring system and RIPASA scoring system as diagnostic tools of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical condition presented in emergency departments worldwide. Clinical scoring systems, such as the Alvarado and modified Alvarado scoring systems, were developed with the goal of reducing the negative appendectomy rate to 5%–10%. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis(RIPASA) scoring system was established in 2008 specif ically for Asian populations. The aim of this study was to compare the modif ied Alvarado with the RIPASA scoring system in Kuwait population.METHODS: This study included 180 patients who underwent appendectomies and were documented as having "acute appendicitis" or "abdominal pain" in the operating theatre logbook(unit B) from November 2014 to March 2016. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV), negative predictive value(NPV), diagnostic accuracy, predicted negative appendectomy and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve of the modified Alvarado and RIPASA scoring systems were derived using SPSS statistical software.RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were included in this study according to our criteria. The cut-off threshold point of the modif ied Alvarado score was set at 7.0, which yielded a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specif icity of 56%. The PPV was 89.3% and the NPV was 42.4%. The cut-off threshold point of the RIPASA score was set at 7.5, which yielded a 94.5% sensitivity and an 88% specif icity. The PPV was 97.2% and the NPV was 78.5%. The predicted negative appendectomy rates were 10.7% and 2.2% for the modif ied Alvarado and RIPASA scoring systems, respectively. The negative appendectomy rate decreased significantly, from 18.4% to 10.7% for the modified Alvarado, and to 2.2% for the RIPASA scoring system, which was a signif icant difference(P<0.001) for both scoring systems.CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the RIPASA score is a simple scoring system with better sensitivity and specif icity than the modif ied Alvarado scoring system in Asian populations. It consists of 14 clinical parameters that can be obtained from a good patient history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The RIPASA scoring system is more accurate and specific than the modif ied Alvarado scoring system for Kuwait population.

Alvarado, Eskelinen, Ohhmann and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis scores for diagnosis of acute appendicitis

AIM:To assess the reliability and practical applicability of the widely used Alvarado,Eskelinen,Ohhmann and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis(RIPASA)scoring systems in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.METHODS:Patients admitted to our tertiary center due to suspected acute appendicitis constituted the study group.Patients were divided into two groups.appendicitis group(Group A)consisted of patients who underwent appendectomy and were histopathologically diagnosed with acute appendicitis,and non-appendicitis group(Group N-A)consisted of patients who underwent negative appendectomy and were diagnosed with pathologies other than appendicitis and patients that were followed non-operatively.The operative findings for the patients,the additional analyses from follow up of the patients and the results of those analyses were recorded using the follow-up forms.RESULTS:One hundred and thirteen patients with suspected acute appendicitis were included in the study.Of the 113 patients(62 males,51 females),the mean age was 30.2±10.1(range 18-67)years.Of the 113patients,94 patients underwent surgery,while the rest were followed non-operatively.Of the 94 patients,77patients were histopathologically diagnosed with acute appendicitis.Our study showed a sensitivity level of81%for the Alvarado system when a cut-off value of 6.5was used,a sensitivity level of 83.1%for the Ohmann system when a cut-off value of 13.75 was used,a sensitivity level of 80.5%for the Eskelinen system when a cut-off value of 63.72 was used,and a sensitivity level of 83.1%for the RIPASA system when a cut-off value of 10.25 was used.CONCLUSION:The Ohmann and RIPASA scoring systems had the highest specificity for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Can fruit seeds and undigested plant residuals cause acute appendicitis

Objective:To investigate the relation between fruit seeds,plants residuals and appendicitis. Methods:Among cases that underwent appendectomy,the appendicitis cases having fruit seeds and undigested plant residuals in their etiology were examined retrospectively.Also, histopathological features,age,sex,and parameters of morbidity and mortality were used. Results:Fruit seed was found in one case(0.05%) with presence of pus in appendix lumen, undigested plant residuals in 7 cases(0.35%).It was determined that there were appendix inflammation in 2 of the plant residuals cases,while there were obstruction and lymphoid hyperplasia in the appendix lumen of 5 cases.No mortality was observed.Conclusions:The ratio of acute appendicitis caused by plants is minimal among all appendectomised patients, but avoidence of eating undigested fruit seeds and chewing plants well may help to prevent appendicitis.

Appendiceal Crohn's disease clinically presenting as acute appendicitis

AIM: To determine the incidence of appendiceal Crohn's disease(CD) and to summarize the characteristic histologic features of appendiceal CD.METHODS: We reviewed the pathology files of 2179 appendectomy specimens from January 2007 to May2013. The computer-assisted retrieval search facility was utilized to collect specimens. We selected those cases that were diagnosed as CD or chronic granulomatous inflammation and defined the final diagnosis according to the histologic findings of CD, including transmural lymphocytic inflammation, non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, thickening of the appendiceal wall secondary to hypertrophy of muscularis mucosa,mucosal ulceration with crypt abscesses, mucosal fissures, and fistula formation. RESULTS: We found 12 cases(7 male and 5 female patients, with an average age of 29.8 years) of appendiceal CD. The incidence of appendiceal CD was 0.55%.The chief complaints were right lower quadrant pain,abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, and diarrhea.The duration of symptom varied from 2 d to 5 mo.The histologic review revealed appendiceal wall thickening in 11 cases(92%), transmural inflammation in all cases(100%), lymphoid aggregates in all cases(100%), epithelioid granulomas in all cases(100%), mucosal ulceration in 11 cases(92%), crypt abscesses in 5 cases(42%), perforation in 2 cases(17%), muscular hypertrophy in 1 case(8%), neural hyperplasia in 5 cases(42%), and perpendicular serosal fibrosis in 8 cases(67%).CONCLUSION: A typical and protracted clinical course, unusual gross features of the appendix and the characteristic histologic features are a clue in the diagnosis of appendiceal CD.

Management of complicated acute appendicitis in children:Still an existing controversy

Complicated acute appendicitis(CAA)is a serious condition and carries significant morbidity in children.A strict diagnosis is challenging,as there are many lesions that mimic CAA.The management of CAA is still controversial.There are two options for treatment:Immediate operative management and nonoperative management with antibiotics and/or drainage of any abscess or phlegmon.Each method of treatment has advantages and disadvantages.Operative management may be difficult due to the presence of inflamed tissues and may lead to detrimental events.In many cases,non-operative management with or without drainage and interval appendectomy is advised.The reasons for this approach include new medications and policies for the use of antibiotic therapy.Furthermore,advances in radiological interventions may overcome difficulties such as diagnosing and managing the complications of CAA without any surgeries.However,questions have been raised about the risk of recurrence,prolonged use of antibiotics,lengthened hospital stay and delay in returning to daily activities.Moreover,the need for interval appendectomy is currently under debate because of the low risk of recurrence.Due to the paucity of high-quality studies,more randomized controlled trials to determine the precise management strategy are needed.This review aims to study the current data on operative vs non-operative management for CAA in children and to extract any useful information from the literature.

Septic thrombophlebitis of the porto-mesenteric veins as a complication of acute appendicitis

Pylephlebitis, a rare complication of acute appendicitis, is defined as thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system. Pylephlebitis usually occurs due to secondary infection in the region drained into the portal system. We report a case of pylephlebitis caused by acute appendicitis. The patient was transferred from a private clinic 1 wk after appendectomy with the chief complaints of high fever and abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with pylephlebitis of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein by CT-scan. The patient was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation therapy, and discharged on the 25th day and follow-up CT scan showed a cavernous transformation of portal thrombosis.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: How to discourage surgeons using inadequate therapy

Acute appendicitis(AA) develops in a progressive and irreversible manner, even if the clinical course of AA can be temporarily modified by intentional medications. Reliable and real-time diagnosis of AA can be made based on findings of the white blood cell count and enhanced computed tomography. Emergent laparoscopic appendectomy(LA) is considered as the first therapeutic choice for AA. Interval/delayed appendectomy at 6-12 wk after disease onset is considered as unsafe with a high recurrent rate during the waiting time. However, this technique may have some advantages for avoiding unnecessary extended resection in patients with an appendiceal mass. Nonoperative management of AA may be tolerated only in children. Postoperative complications increase according to the patient's factors, and temporal avoidance of emergent general anesthesia may be beneficial for high-risk patients. The surgeon's skill and cooperation of the hospital are important for successful LA. Delaying appendectomy for less than 24 h from diagnosis is safe. Additionally, a semi-elective manner(i.e., LA within 24 h after onset of symptoms) may be paradoxically acceptable, according to the factors of the patient, physician, and institution. Prompt LA is mandatory for AA. Fortunately, the Japanese government uses a universal health insurance system, which covers LA.