A R K Adesunkanmi1, T A Badmus, U Onakpoya. 1. Dept of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo Universitty, Ile-Ife. Nigeria. adesunkanmi@yahoo.com
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the applicability of short hospital stay after appendicectomy in rural and semi-urban Nigerian community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 30-month prospective study on patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis was carried out The age ranged from 5-70 years, mean of 28.7 years, there was almost even sex distribution between male and female. All the patients presented with clinical evidences of acute appendicitis. RESULTS: The operative findings were inflamed and oedematous appendix in about 80%, minimal exudates drained in only about 25% of the patients. Postoperative wound complications occurred in 1.3-5% of patients. All the postoperative complications were successfully managed in the outpatient clinic. 71.8% were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day, 20.5% on 3rd postoperative day, 4 (5%) on 4th postoperative day and 1(1.3%) each on 5th and 7th day. There was postoperative pain tolerance and late mobilisation in those who stayed for 3-4 days; moderately severe wound infection was responsible for those who stayed for 5th- 7th day. CONCLUSION: Short hospital stay after appendicectomy was possible in majority of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Minimal postoperative fluid therapy and antibiotic administration was adequate in well-selected cases.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the applicability of short hospital stay after appendicectomy in rural and semi-urban Nigerian community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 30-month prospective study on patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis was carried out The age ranged from 5-70 years, mean of 28.7 years, there was almost even sex distribution between male and female. All the patients presented with clinical evidences of acute appendicitis. RESULTS: The operative findings were inflamed and oedematous appendix in about 80%, minimal exudates drained in only about 25% of the patients. Postoperative wound complications occurred in 1.3-5% of patients. All the postoperative complications were successfully managed in the outpatient clinic. 71.8% were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day, 20.5% on 3rd postoperative day, 4 (5%) on 4th postoperative day and 1(1.3%) each on 5th and 7th day. There was postoperative pain tolerance and late mobilisation in those who stayed for 3-4 days; moderately severe wound infection was responsible for those who stayed for 5th- 7th day. CONCLUSION: Short hospital stay after appendicectomy was possible in majority of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Minimal postoperative fluid therapy and antibiotic administration was adequate in well-selected cases.