Nonoperative Antibiotic Treatment of Appendicitis in Adults: A Survey among Clinically Active Surgeons

<b><i>Background:</i></b> As a result of well-publicized studies, the nonsurgical antibiotic therapy of uncomplicated acute appendicitis has been propagated since 2006. A final assessment regarding efficiency and long-term results is not possible; however, nonoperative therapy of acute appendicitis is actually being discussed more diversely and receives a lot of attention. It is still unknown how far this therapy has found its way into everyday clinical care. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An online questionnaire was sent to 1,400 randomly selected specialists for general/visceral surgery in Germany. Representativeness was achieved by a preselection according to the geographical origin and the care level of the hospitals. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 14% of surgeons stated that they methodically treat appendicitis conservatively. 38.1% do so in exceptional cases, while 48.8% reject this therapy. For methodically use, sonography or computed tomography is demanded beforehand. Nonoperative therapy is performed more often in metropolitan areas and maximum-care/university hospitals. Patients’ request for antibiotic therapy is an important factor for conservative treatment. The main argument against this therapy is “medical doubts.” 26% of the surgeons would treat their own appendicitis conservatively. There are distinct associations between the application of conservative therapy, satisfaction with it, and expectations about future development. The response rate was 19.9%. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The nonoperative antibiotic therapy of appendicitis is part of clinical practice in Germany. There are differences in preconditions as well as in the acceptance of this therapeutic option with a high proportion of general rejection.

Regional Variation in Nonoperative Therapy Utilization for Symptomatic Lumbar Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis: A 2-Year Costs Analysis

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To characterize regional variations in maximal nonoperative therapy (MNT) costs in patients suffering from lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis. Methods: Medical records from patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis undergoing primary ≤3-level lumbar decompression and fusion procedures from 2007 to 2016 were gathered from a large insurance database. Geographic regions (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) reflected the US Census Bureau definitions. Records were searchable by International Classification of Diseases diagnosis/procedure codes, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and insurance-specific generic drug codes. Utilization of MNT, defined as cost billed, prescriptions written, and number of units disbursed, within 2-years prior to index surgery was assessed. Results: A total of 27 877 patients underwent 1-, 2-, or 3-level lumbar decompression and fusion surgery. Regional breakdown of the study cohort was as follows: South 62.3%, Midwest 25.2%, West 10.4%, Northeast 2.1%. Regional variations in the number of patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ( P < .0001), opioids ( P < .0001), muscle relaxants ( P < .0001), and lumbar steroid injections ( P < .0001) were detected. A significant difference was identified in the regional MNT failure rates ( P < .0001). The total cost associated with MNT prior to index surgery was $48 411 125 ($1736.60/patient), with the Midwest ($1943.83/patient) responsible for the greatest average spending. Despite comprising 62.3% of the cohort, the South was accountable for 67.5% of NSAID prescriptions, 64.6% of opioid prescriptions, and 71.2% of muscle relaxant prescriptions. Conclusions: Regional differences exist in the costs of MNT in patients with lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis prior to surgery. Future studies should focus on identifying patients likely to fail prolonged nonoperative management.

Early Uncomplicated Appendicitis—Who Can We Treat Nonoperatively?

This study evaluated nonoperative treatment for mild appendicitis and reviewed selection criteria to be used in introducing this option into clinical practice. A retrospective review of 73 consecutive cases of appendicitis treated by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2013 was completed. Patients who were diagnosed with mild appendicitis meeting the criteria of an APPENDICITIS scoring algorithm proposed in this manuscript were considered for nonoperative management. An additional 17 patients with mild appendicitis were offered and successfully treated nonoperatively between 2014 and 2016 and reviewed. Of these original 73 patients, 37 had moderate to severe appendicitis and directly underwent appendectomy. The remaining patients were diagnosed with mild appendicitis and considered eligible for nonoperative management. Of these, 14 patients were offered nonoperative therapy. Thirteen responded successfully; one patient responded partially, but later opted for surgery. In 2014, this scoring system and preliminary results were shared with the other surgeons in our department. Nonoperative management was then selectively adopted by a few of the surgeons from 2014 to 2016 with another 17 patients (APPENDICITIS score of 0 or 1) being offered and successfully managed nonoperatively. Patients with mild or early appendicitis can be successfully managed nonoperatively. A proposed APPENDICITIS scoring system may provide a helpful mnemonic for successfully selecting patients for this option.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is caused by acute inflammation of the appendix (usually secondary to obstruction) and can result in perforation, leading to peritonitis, sepsis, and/or abscess formation. Symptomatology includes anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and periumbilical pain (later localizing to the right lower quadrant). Patients at the extremes of age and pregnant women may have atypical presentations and higher rates of perforation and complications. Most patients suspected of having appendicitis receive prompt surgical intervention (usually laparoscopic). Antibiotic therapy, initiated preoperatively, varies for perforated vs nonperforated appendicitis. In patients with evidence of a contained abscess, nonoperative therapy is considered, as abscess is evidence of a prolonged disease course (more than 5 days) prior to presentation. On imaging, patients may have a well-circumscribed abscess or phlegmon; if immediate surgical intervention is attempted, there is significant risk of morbidity due to adhesions to adjacent tissues.

Successful in a conservative treatment of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw: a case report and review of literature

ABSTRACT Osteoradionecrosis of jaws is one of the most serious complications of radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies. The management of osteoradionecrosis continues to be debated and there are few cases which can be resolved with conservative management. This paper presents a case of osteoradionecrosis after a dental extraction affecting the mandible of a 58-year-old man and highlights the conservative therapeutic management and 3-year follow-up period. We combined a conservative nonoperative therapy, including long-term antibiotic therapy and daily irrigation with chlorhexidine mouthrinses in a case of osteoradionecrosis after a dental extraction affecting the mandible of a 58-year-old man. At the follow-up, clinical aspect was resolved. A CBCT scan image and a three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed image revealed bone remodeling in a 3-year follow-up period .No sign of exposed bone could be seen. Follow-up 3 years later revealed that the conservative management posed was successful for osteoradionecrosis and the patient is currently under regular review.