Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in patients with COVID-19 confirmation: A case report. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suzuki, Toshiyuki; Matsumoto, Akiyo; Akao, Takahiko; Kobayashi, Seiji; Matsumoto, Hiroshi
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 100(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019 -- CT computed tomography -- PPE personal protective equipment -- SARS-Cov-2 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 -- NOM non-operative management -- RT-PCR real-time polymerase chain reaction; COVID-19 -- SARS CoV-2 -- Emergency surgery -- Laparoscopic appendectomy -- Case report; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107740
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Strategies to postpone elective surgeries were proposed to maintain the hospital capacity to cater for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and emergency non-COVID cases. Non-operative management (NOM) was recommended when possible during the COVID-19 era. However, the optimal approach to acute appendicitis (AA) in patients with COVID-19 remains controversial. Presentation of case: A 25-year-old man who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of AA with appendicolith. Chest computed tomography did not detect evidence of pneumonia. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed after strict infection prevention measures were taken. The postoperative course was uneventful. No respiratory symptoms such as cough or sputum production occurred postoperatively. No signs of infection in medical staff or spread in the operating room and infectious disease ward were observed. Discussion: The treatment policy should fully consider the risk of COVID-19 infection to medical staff and the risk of aggravation in patients who tested positive for SARS-Cov-2. Surgery was chosen over NOM for AA with appendicolith because the presence of appendicolith was thought to indicate a high probability of treatment failure in NOM and possible perforation; thus, case more difficult measures were required for SARS-Cov-2-positive cases. Conclusion: Careful assessment of the patient's condition and consideration of the treatment method is important, rather than choosing NOM over operative management based solely on SARS-Cov-2-positive status. Laparoscopic appendectomy with adequate infection control measures can be safely performed in SARS-Cov-2-positive cases. Highlights: Treatment policy should consider COVID-19 risk to medical staff and aggravation. Laparoscopic appendectomy with adequate infection control can be safe in COVID-19. Enhanced PPE is needed to prevent infections in the operating room and wards.