Predictors of early outcome after acute appendicitis: is delaying surgery for acute appendicitis an option? A retrospective study

Purpose This study analysed the clinical and para-clinical criteria that may allow surgeons and emergency physicians to take a decision regarding the surgery of acute appendicitis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 284 acute appendicitis patients who underwent surgery between January 2007 and December 2009 in our institution. The registered data were extracted from patient files and statistically analysed. These data included past medical history, clinical, laboratory and imaging data, duration of hospital stay and post-operative complications. Patient delay (time between the appearance of symptoms and patient arrival at the emergency department) and hospital delay (time between hospital arrival and operation) were correctly investigated. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software. Results The patient delay is significantly increased in relation to the severity of appendicitis: 24 h (10.8–30.8 h) versus 37.4 h (36.8–38 h) ( P