Factors Associated with Perforated Appendicitis in Elderly Patients at Debaratana Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital

Abstract

          Introduction: The perforated appendicitis in elderly patients always has higher morbidity and mortality rates than usual. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and to compare associated factors of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients between the perforated and non-perforated groups at Debaratana Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.  Patients and Method: This was retrospective descriptive study, reviewing medical record of patients over 60 years old who received diagnosis of appendicitis (ICD-10: K35) and appendectomy at Debaratana Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital between Jan 2014 and May 2017. They were allocated into 2 groups, non-perforated appendicitis and perforated appendicitis groups. The collected data included demographic data, clinical presentation, duration from onset to admission, duration from admission to operation and laboratory analysis. Results: From 355 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, perforated appendicitis was found in 98 patients (27.6 %) and 54 of them were women (55.1 %). The factors associated with perforated appendicitis in elderly patients with statistical significance were the duration from onset to admission (more than 24 hours) and length of hospital stay. Overall post-operative complication was 3.1 %. Conclusion: The prevalence of perforation of appendicitis was 27.6 % in elderly patients. And the factors associated with the perforated appendicitis were the duration from onset to admission (more than 24 hours) and the length of hospital stay.