Outcome of early discharge protocol after appendectomy for pediatric acute appendicitis.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of an early discharge protocol for pediatric acute appendicitis. Methods: The present new early discharge protocol for appendicitis consisted of both postoperative early feeding and reduced-port laparoscopic surgery, to reduce surgical stress. The outcome was studied in patients with acute appendicitis treated at the present institution from 2012 to 2013. Results: Data on 36 acute appendicitis patients (mean age, 10.3years) were collected. Operation time was 95 +/- 27 min. Preoperatively, mean white blood cell (WBC) count was 13 850 +/- 3644/mu L; mean C-reactive protein (CRP), 2.7 +/- 2.9 mg/dL; and mean procalcitonin, 0.25 +/- 0.37 ng/mL. After surgery there was a significant decrease in WBC count, which fell to within the normal range; CRP peaked at 4.9 +/- 3.2 mg/dL on postoperative day (POD) 1. On POD 7, all of the hematological markers were within the normal range. There were no postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 +/- 1.1 days. Mean frequency of oral painkiller use was 3.2 +/- 3.3 times per person. Conclusions: The present early discharge protocol is safe and effective for the management of acute non-perforated appendicitis.