Deriving Literature-Based Benchmarks for Pediatric Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy Complications from National Databases in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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In brief
In brief
Systematic review of national databases from Canada, US, and UK establishes benchmark complication rates for pediatric appendectomy and cholecystectomy. Mortality was low (0.06% and 0.24% respectively), but outcomes varied between countries, with UK studies showing lower mortality and readmission rates than US studies.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Health systems must identify preventable adverse outcomes to improve surgical safety. We conducted a systematic review to determine national rates of postoperative complications associated with two common pediatric surgery operations in High-Income Countries (HICs).
Methods
National database studies of complication rates associated with pediatric appendectomies and cholecystectomies (2000–2016) in Canada, the US, and the UK were included. Outcomes included mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), and other surgical complications. Outcome data were extracted and comparisons made between countries and databases.
Results
Thirty-three papers met inclusion criteria (1 Canadian, 1 UK, and 4 US Databases). Mean LOS was 3.00 (±1.42) days and 3.44 (±1.55) days for appendectomy and cholecystectomy, respectively. Mortality was 0.06% after appendectomy and 0.24% after cholecystectomy. Readmission and reoperation rates were 6.79% and 0.32% for appendectomy, and 1.37% and 0.71% for cholecystectomy. For appendectomies, LOS was shorter in Canadian and UK studies compared to US studies, and mortality and readmission rates were lower (OR 0.46 95%CI 0.23 to 0.93, OR 3.63 to 3.77 95%CI) in UK studies compared to US studies.
Conclusions
Outcomes after pediatric appendectomy and cholecystectomy are good but vary between HICs. Understanding national outcomes and intercountry differences is essential in developing health system approaches to pediatric surgical safety.
Level of evidence
II