Children recover at home after complicated appendicitis surgery

A new study reveals that nearly half of children with complicated appendicitis can recover safely at home after surgery. The research was conducted by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery Open. The study shows that over 40% of children treated at home after their surgeries healed faster and experienced fewer complications. Each year, The Royal Children's Hospital sees over 300 cases of appendicitis, with about one in three cases being severe. The research focused on 83 children aged 5 to 18 who underwent complicated appendectomies. Out of these, 35 children were suitable for the Hospital in the Home program. Participants required at least five days of intravenous antibiotics after surgery. Nurses visited their homes daily to provide care and monitor their recovery. Associate Professor Penelope Bryant noted that children in this program spent 35% less time in the hospital while recovering effectively at home. She emphasized that this approach does not extend the use of antibiotics or increase hospital stays. The program, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, also cuts costs for hospitals and families, while enhancing the overall quality of life for families. Associate Professor Warwick Teague highlighted the benefits of this model, stating it can save over $1,400 per day for hospitals and $300 daily for families. Traditionally, doctors insisted on daily hospital visits after surgery for complicated cases. However, the study suggests that skilled non-surgical staff can provide effective postoperative care at home. This approach may help free up hospital resources and improve healthcare sustainability.