Predictive Factors of Post-laparoscopic Appendectomy Peritoneal Collection in Children and Adolescents with Complicated Appendicitis

INTRODUCTION: Intra-peritoneal collection (IPC) following laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) of complicated appendicitis in children is a serious complication. This is associated with a longer duration of hospital stay, more costs, and psychological upsets of both children and their parents. The aim of this study is to evaluate different factors that may affect the development of IPC following LA of complicated appendicitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-five children were admitted with acute complicated appendicitis. All of them had LA between January 2016 and October 2020. The following variables were studied: patients' demographics, clinical findings, laboratory and imaging studies and operative parameters. Patients were divided according to their post-operative course into two groups; Group (A): patients with IPC (n = 19), Group (B): patients without IPC (n = 56). Potential risk factors for the development of post-operative IPC were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen cases (25.3%), out of 75 patients, presented with post-operative collection. Forty-seven (62.7%) patients were males, the overall median age was 11 (inter-quartile range [IQR] 10–13). The most significant operative variable was the operative time, which was significantly longer in Group A, 78 min (IQR 75–88) versus 56 (50–66), P = 0.001. The following variables were associated with an elevated incidence of post-operative IPC; age, body mass index, total leucocytic count (TLC), duration of symptoms, pediatric appendicitis score, pre-operative morbidity, being on medications, operative time, suction and irrigation or suction only and drain duration. In the multivariate model, TLC (odds ratios [OR]: 1.358, P 0.006), symptoms duration (OR: 2.051, P 0.012), morbidity (OR: 2.064, P 0.041) and operative time (OR: 2.631, P 0.039) were statistically significant and confirmed as being predictors of IPC post-LA in complicated appendicitis. CONCLUSION: Post-operative IPC is quite common after LA for complicated appendicitis. Increased TLC, prolonged symptoms duration, associated co-morbidity and operative time could be predictors of its occurrence. Improving general condition, surgical technique and reducing operative time help to reduce its incidence.