Outcomes of Appendicectomy Among Elderly Patients Over a Five-Year Period

Sammut M*, Chircop D, Sammut M and Caruana C

Department of General Surgery, University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital, Malta

^*Correspondance to: Matthew Sammut 

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Abstract:

Introduction: Appendicitis in the elderly is a common surgical condition. However, there is a lack
of literature about appendicectomy procedures in the elderly.
Methods and Materials: A five-year review of elderly patients undergoing appendicectomy
was performed. Patient demographics, pre-operative characteristics, post-operative events and
histological results were analyzed.
Results: 173 patients were included. 120 (69.36%) patients had a pre-operative medical comorbidity.
The post-operative complication rate was 38.73% (67 patients) with ileus (15 (22.39%)
patients) being the most common complication. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.012%. Patients
over 76 years of age had statistically significant more post-operative complication rates (p=0.02) and
longer hospital stays (p=0.004).
Conclusion: Atypical presentations for appendicitis in the elderly occur and pre-operative
comorbidities are common. Over the age of 76 years, increased post-operative complication rates
and longer hospital stays occur.

Keywords:

Appendicitis; Appendicectomy; Emergency surgery; Geriatrics

Cite the Article:

Sammut M, Chircop D, Sammut M, Caruana C. Outcomes of Appendicectomy Among Elderly Patients Over a Five-Year Period. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2021; 4: 1312..