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Open Access 09-07-2022 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Scientific Report

Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study

Authors: Francesco Pata, Marcello Di Martino, Mauro Podda, Salomone Di Saverio, Benedetto Ielpo, Gianluca Pellino, the ACIE Appy Study Collaborative

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 9/2022

Abstract

Background

In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak.

Methods

From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study.

Results

A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM.

Conclusion

Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide.

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Title: Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study
Authors: Francesco Pata
Marcello Di Martino
Mauro Podda
Salomone Di Saverio
Benedetto Ielpo
Gianluca Pellino
the ACIE Appy Study Collaborative
Publication date: 09-07-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2
Appendicitis
Appendicitis
COVID-19
Appendectomy
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 9/2022
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-022-06649-z

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Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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