Parental satisfaction with same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis

Sandra Ngo, Kristin Gee, Lorrie Burkhalter, Alana L. Beres

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Recent studies suggest that same-day discharge is safe for the paediatric population after various laparoscopic procedures. Same-day discharge is increasingly common after laparoscopic surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis although it is not standard practice. This prospective study aims to assess parental satisfaction with same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. Methods: At our institution, 849 patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in 2016; of which, 382 were discharged on the same calendar day. Postdischarge surveys assessing parental satisfaction were administered by telephone at the 2-week follow-up. Results: Approximately 65% of 185 total parental responses reported initial satisfaction with same-day discharge. About 30% were nervous at that time, and 5% did not feel ready to go home yet. Upon reflection, a higher proportion of parents (81.6%) felt same-day discharge was the appropriate course of action, 11.4% were unsure, and 7.0% would not do it again. Some parents cited concerns regarding pain control and incongruous expectations from conversations with staff or surgical experiences of their own. Conclusions: The majority of parents recalled being happy at discharge, with an increase to 82% retrospectively. Only 7% of parents would not elect to go home on the same day again. Opportunities for improvement include a unified plan from all providers with expectations of same-day discharge if appendicitis is intraoperatively confirmed to be uncomplicated and better analgesic instructions at discharge.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberpxy177
Pages (from-to)318-322
Number of pages5
JournalPaediatrics and Child Health (Canada)
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 25 2019

Keywords

  • Ambulatory
  • Parental satisfaction
  • Same-day discharge
  • appendicitis
  • laparoscopic appendectomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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