Southwestern Surgical CongressComparison of outcomes of patients with acute appendicitis between an acute care surgery model and traditional call coverage model in the same community

BackgroundThis study compared outcomes, patient flow, and cost between an acute care surgery (ACS) and traditional call model (TRAD) for acute appendicitis in the same community and time period.MethodsPatients who underwent appendectomy from 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2014 were retrospectively reviewed. An ACS and TRAD were compared. Demographic data, outcomes, cost, and time intervals were compared.ResultsOf the 945 patients reviewed, the ACS group had more perforated appendicitis on preoperative computed tomography scan (9% vs 3%, P < .001) and pathology (23% vs 10%, P < .001). The TRAD group had more negative appendectomies (6% vs 1%, P < .001). In nonperforated appendicitis, time to discharge was shorter with ACS (16.4 vs 30.2 hours, P < .001), and mean cost was less (P < .001). Complications were similar.ConclusionsACS was superior for management of acute appendicitis with shorter time from consultation to operation, shorter time to discharge if nonperforated, and decreased cost.