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A recent study reveals that nearly 50 percent of children undergoing surgery for complicated appendicitis can effectively recover at home. This research, conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, indicates that over 40 percent of these patients experienced quicker recoveries and fewer complications when managed at home post-operation.
Annually, The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) sees more than 300 cases of appendicitis, with approximately one-third involving a ruptured appendix or severe infections.
The study involved 83 children, aged between five and 18 years, who were hospitalized at RCH for a complicated appendicectomy. Of these, 35 were deemed suitable for the Hospital in the Home (HITH) program, which required all participants to receive at least five days of intravenous antibiotics (IV) after surgery. Through the HITH program, a nurse visited each child’s home daily to administer the necessary antibiotics and monitor clinical observations.
According to MCRI Associate Professor Penelope Bryant, this approach facilitated faster recoveries for patients in a home setting, significantly lowering the need for hospital readmissions. She stated, “Our findings indicate that children can spend 35 percent less time in the hospital after complex surgeries without compromising safety or extending antibiotic regimens.”
This study aims to assist healthcare providers in determining which children are appropriate for HITH care following surgery for complicated appendicitis.
MCRI Associate Professor Warwick Teague noted that the HITH program, which gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers additional advantages such as cost savings for both hospitals and families, enhanced quality of life, reduced work absenteeism, and a decrease in hospital-acquired infections.
Teague emphasized, “The pandemic created both a necessity and an opportunity to provide care to children in their homes. This study shows that even those with serious appendicitis can receive proper care at home after surgery, thus freeing hospital resources for other patients in need.”
Traditionally, post-operative care for severe appendicitis required daily hospital visits from the surgical team. However, the study demonstrated that optimal recovery could occur at home, facilitated by well-trained non-surgical clinicians collaborating closely with surgeons.
The implications of the HITH program are significant: it potentially saves hospitals over $1,400 a day and families around $300 daily, alleviating financial pressures while contributing to the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems.
Collaborators in this research included experts from The Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, further enhancing the credibility and impact of these findings in pediatric surgical care.
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