Comparative Analysis of the Acute Appendicitis Management in Children before and During the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic

Authors : Dilan ALTINTAŞ URAL, Ali Erdal KARAKAYA, Ahmet Gökhan GÜLER, Hatice Sonay YALÇIN, Mustafa TUŞAT

Pages : 120-125

Doi:10.17517/ksutfd.1089646

View : 15 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2023-03-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Acute appendicitis insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(AA); is one of the most common surgical emergency in pediatric population. Herein, we aimed to compare the incidence and severity of AA before and during the Coronavirus Disease-19 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(COVID-19); outbreak. Materials and Methods: This multicenter study was conducted in three medicine faculty hospitals between the periods of 15 March-30 June 2019 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Group A);, and the pandemic period of 15 March-30 June 2020 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Group B);. We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients in each group in terms of age, gender, serum leukocyte, C-reactive protein, radiological imaging use of postoperative peritoneal drain and presence of serious complications. Results: A total of 141 patients were identified and divided into two groups as Group A insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=64); and Group B insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=77);. We found higher complication rates in Group B. Fewer patients applied in Group B, but a higher rate of AA was diagnosed. During the COVID-19 period, more patients were admitted with the later stages of the AA and with significant complications. Radiological imaging of patients with appendicitis in Group B showed more severe findings compared to Group A. Conclusion: Higher rate of perforated and complicated appendicitis in the pandemic period was due to misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis in primary care centers as a result of fear from contagious coronavirus. Although the period of the COVID -19 pandemic brings out difficulties in treatment of patients, comprehensive assessment and physical examination in children with suspected surgical conditions should always be emphasized.
Keywords : apandisit, covid 19, komplike apandisit