Abstract
Introduction: Appendicitis is one of the most common diagnoses in pediatric surgery and its therapy involves a combination of surgical and antibiotic (ATB) treatment. Based on evidence-based medicine, new recommendations for its treatment have been published.
The aim of this work was to evaluate current practice in the Czech Republic from the perspective of pediatric surgeons. Methods: In a multicentre retrospective online questionnaire, 15 pediatric-surgical departments in the Czech Republic (university clinics, independent departments, pediatric surgery ordinariates at general surgery departments) were addressed.
The questionnaire contained 10 questions. The monitored parameters were the number of operations, surgical approach, ATB prophylaxis and therapy, postoperative complications at individual departments in 2017.
SurveyMonkey Inc. questionnaire was used for anonymous data collection. Results: Fourteen of the fifteen surveyed departments completed the questionnaire (93%).
In 2017, 1,379 appendectomies were performed, of which 456 (33%) were laparoscopically. The necessity of conversion was 2%. 1/4 of the patients had complicated appendicitis (gangrene, perforation) and were operated in 70% classically.
ATB prophylaxis was always given in 4 (29%) departments, in 4 departments according to the surgeon's decision, in 4 departments it was not administered and in 2 departments ATB was administered only during laparoscopy. Five types of antibiotics were used for ATB prophylaxis at all departments.
In cases of phlegmonous appendicitis, ATB was administered therapeutically in 2 departments (14%), in 8 departments (57%) as decided by the surgeon and in 4 departments it was not administered. In complicated appendicitis, ATB was therapeutically administered in 100% of cases.
There were 6.7% (93/1379) complications overall-after classical appendectomy, they occurred in 6.9% (64/923), after laparoscopic appendectomy in 6.4% (29/456). Conclusion: In 2017, two-thirds of appendectomies were operated classically in the questioned departments.
The prophylaxis and therapy of ATB vary from department to department and even varies inside one department. The percentages of complications and inconsistency in ATB use are comparable to those reported in the literature, however, we differ in the number of appendectomies performed laparoscopically. (C) 2019, Czech Medical Association J.E.
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