Satisfaction With Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Nonperforated Appendicitis.

Creator(s)

Nelimar Cruz-Centeno, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Shai Stewart MD, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Derek Marlor, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
James Fraser, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Shawn D. St Peter, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Tolulope A. Oyetunji MD MPH, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2023

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Same-day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic appendectomy for acute nonperforated appendicitis is safe, without an increased rate of postoperative complications, emergency department visits, or readmissions. We aimed to evaluate caregiver satisfaction with this protocol.

METHODS: Patients discharged on the day of laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated acute appendicitis were identified between January 2022 and August 2022. Surveys to evaluate satisfaction with the protocol were distributed to the caregivers via email or text message 96 h after discharge. Telephone surveys were conducted if there were no responses to the initial online survey. The surveys assessed comfort with SDD, postoperative pain control adequacy, postoperative provider contact, and overall satisfaction. The protocol focused on avoidance of narcotics in the postoperative period and immediate return to a regular diet.

RESULTS: A total of 255 cases of nonperforated acute appendicitis underwent SDD. The survey response rate was 50.6% (n = 129). Most respondents were Caucasian (69.0%, n = 89) and male (51.9%, n = 67) with a median age of 12.0 y (IQR 8.9,14.7). The median postoperative length of hospital stay was 3.8 h (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2,4.8). The overall satisfaction rate was 91.5%, with 118 caregivers feeling satisfied with SDD. Most caregivers felt comfortable with the SDD protocol (89.9%, n = 116), with 22.5% (n = 29) calling a medical provider postoperatively. Approximately nine out of 10 caregivers reported that pain was adequately controlled (91.5%, n = 118). In contrast, those that were dissatisfied reported issues with pain control and anxiety with SDD after a surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver satisfaction and comfort with same-day discharge following laparoscopic appendectomy is high with appropriate anticipatory guidance and preoperative education.

Journal Title

The Journal of surgical research

Volume

288

First Page

134

Last Page

139

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Male; Acute Disease; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Patient Discharge; Personal Satisfaction; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Female

Keywords

Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Nonperforated; Same-day discharge; Satisfaction

Recommended Citation

Cruz-Centeno N, Stewart S, Marlor DR, Fraser JA, St Peter SD, Oyetunji TA. Satisfaction With Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Nonperforated Appendicitis. J Surg Res. 2023;288:134-139. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.018