764 Paediatric Emergency Appendicectomy in a District General Hospital: A Review of Current Practice

Abstract Aim Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical pathologies amongst children, with approximately 80% in UK admitted and managed district general hospitals. The Royal college Surgeons paediatric emergency appendicectomy commissioning guidelines state a negative rate should be <15% <1% following prior discharge no intervention. We aimed to review current practice adherence guidelines. Method A retrospective was carried out all patients suspected appendicitis, single centre over 1-year period. Demographics, pre-operative investigations, technique, histology, length stay, readmissions, complications, transfers tertiary centres were recorded. Results Total 101 within audit window median age 9.5 years, 50.5% male. Average stay 2 days. 30 appendicectomies performed (63.3% laparoscopic). Negative 23.3% (n=7). Seventeen underwent ultrasound, which confirmed appendicitis proceeded an appendicectomy. remaining 15 successfully discharged. 28-day readmission returned at 5.94%. 1 (0.99%) patient readmitted intervention subsequently appendicectomy, revealing acute appendicitis. No transferred centre. Conclusions Overall, favourable comparison published guidelines, however higher than optimal rate. Utilisation preoperative ultrasound may aid towards reduction this figure. Guideline also states taken theatre 12 hours decision operate. Further patient's notes determine this.