COVID-19 pandemic changed the management and outcomes of acute appendicitis in northern Beijing: A single-center study

BACKGROUND: Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, outcomes and management of many diseases have been affected. Acute appendicitis is a common acute abdomen. The incidence rate is 0.05%-0.5%. Studies reported that the number of patients with appendicitis admitted to emergency department significantly decreased since the pandemic. People avoided going to the hospital for fear of being infected. Different countries have different epidemic prevention measures that result in different treatment outcomes. The Chinese government also published some temporary measures in order to prevent the outbreak. AIM: To explore the changes in management and outcomes of acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic in the North of Beijing. METHODS: Patients with acute appendicitis admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital between February and June 2019 and February and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were grouped according to admission year. The demographic characteristics, present illnesses, medical history, symptoms and signs, comorbidities, blood test results, imaging data, appendix pathology, and treatment details were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 74 patients received nonsurgical treatment and 113 patients underwent surgical treatment in group 2019, whereas 159 patients received nonsurgical treatment and 26 patients received surgical treatment in group 2020. Fever, thick appendix, nonsurgical management, and uncomplicated appendicitis (simple or supportive appendicitis) were more common in group 2020 (P < 0.05). Among the nonsurgical management cases, the neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and recurrence rate were higher in group 2020 (P < 0.05). Among surgically managed cases, there were more cases with gastrointestinal symptoms, peritonitis, ascites in the image, and intraoperative adhesion or ascites in group 2020 (P < 0.05). The white blood cell count, time from diagnosis to surgery, surgical time, and intraoperative blood loss were higher in group 2020 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients suffering from acute appendicitis in Beijing tended to present with severe symptoms and opt for nonsurgical treatment. For patients who underwent surgical management, the operation was delayed and more difficult during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the hospital stay and the incidence of postsurgical complications did not change.