Pediatric appendectomy: the outcome differences between pediatric surgeons and general surgeons.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review our experience of pediatric appendectomy performed by either a general surgeon (GS) or a pediatric surgeon (PS) to determine any differences in outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of pediatric appendicitis patients, 4 years before (GS group, 2007-2010) and after (PS group, 2011-2014) the introduction of a pediatric surgical practice. The records were reviewed for the following variables: operation time, length of hospital stay, complications, readmission in ≤30 days, type of operation, negative for appendicitis, drainage, open conversion, and reoperation in ≤30 days.

RESULTS

Over 8 years, 400 patients were operated on for acute appendicitis, with the PS group comprising 61 % (N = 244) of patients. The operation time (55.1 vs 43.2 min, p = 0.0001) and postoperative length of hospital stay (3.5 vs 2.7 days, p = 0.001) were shorter, more patients were treated by laparoscopy (61.3 vs 91.2 %, p = 0.0001), and a fewer patients required peritoneal drainage (29.5 vs 63.2 %, p = 0.023) in the PS group than in the GS group. The negative appendectomy rate was slightly lower in the PS group, but not to a statistically significant degree.

CONCLUSION

The patients in the PS group enjoyed a reduced operation time and length of hospital stay, greater likelihood of laparoscopic operation, and less peritoneal drainage than the patients in the GS group.