Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute Appendicitis

Tuero C1*, Almeida A2, Fernández-Velilla B3, Moya JL4, Valentí V2,5, Sanchez Justicia C2 and Montón S1

1Department of General Surgery, Hospital García Orcoyen, Navarra, Spain
2Department of General Surgery, University of Navarra Clinic, Navarra, Spain
3Department of General Surgery, Navarra Hospital Complex, Navarra, Spain
4Department of General Surgery, Reina Sofía Hospital, Navarra, Spain
5CIBEROBN, Carlos III Health Institute, Navarra, Spain

^*Correspondance to: Carlota Tuero, 

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Abstract:

Introduction: The first wave of COVID-19 challenged the management of surgical emergencies
questioning the regular handling of patients. Due to the uncertainty caused by the lack of knowledge
about this virus, laparoscopic approach was highlighted and doubts concerning whether or not
perform to this approach raised.
Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter study with patients that developed acute appendicitis
in our community during COVID-19 scenario.
Results: 36 patients were diagnosed with acute appendicitis from 15th March to 15th April and were
compared with 58 patients diagnosed the same dates the year before.
No statistically significant differences were found between demographic characteristics, surgical
approach or pathological findings. Almost half of the patients were tested before admission, mostly
with RT-PCR. One month after discharge, any patient developed COVID-19 infection and only one
surgeon was infected.
Conclusion: According to our experience, following the recommendations, emergency surgery did
not increase the risk of contagion in patients. Laparoscopic approach performed with the correct
PPE and proper measures should not increase the risk of contagion in surgeons. Furthermore,
surgical approach, either open or laparoscopic, should be adjusted to the patient characteristics
regardless COVID-19.

Keywords:

Acute appendicitis; Open appendicectomy; Laparoscopic appendicectomy; COVID-19

Cite the Article:

Tuero C, Almeida A, Fernández-Velilla B, Moya JL, Valentí V, Sanchez Justicia C, et al. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
on Acute Appendicitis. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2021; 4: 1275..