Short hospital stay after appendicectomy.

Aims and objectives: To determine the applicability of short hospital stay after appendicectomy in rural and semi-urban Nigerian community. Patients and methods : A 30-month prospective study on patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis was carried out age ranged from 5-70years, mean of 28.7years, there was almost even sex distribution between male and female. All the patients presented with clinical evidences of acute appendicitis. Results: The operative findings were inflamed and oedematous appendix in about %, minimal exudates drained in only about 25% of the patients. Postoperative wound complications occurred in 1.3-5% of patients. All the postoperative complications were successfully managed in the outpatient clinic. 71.8% were discharged on the 2nd postoperative day, 20.5% on 3rd postoperative day, 4 (5%) on 4th postoperative day and 1(1.3%) each on 5th and 7th day. There was postoperative pain tolerance and late mobilisation in those who stayed for 3-4 days; moderately severe wound infection was responsible for those who stayed for 5th- 7th day. Conclusion: Short hospital stay after appendicectomy was possible in majority of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Minimal postoperative fluid therapy and antibiotic administration was adequate in well-selected cases.