FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE LENGTH OF STAY AFTER APPENDICECTOMY IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The severity of the inflammatory process appeared to be the main determinant of postoperative hospital LOS; advanced appendicitis with abscess formation or peritonitis was associated with the longest LOS, irrespective of the surgical approach, although the LOS after appendicectomy was reduced by a laparoscopic approach. Intra-operative local anaesthesia during open appendicectomy reduced hospital stay, probably because it reduced the need for postoperative narcotics. Early diagnosis (< 24 h) was associated with a shorter postoperative LOS for acutely inflamed appendices.