Reducing resource utilization for patients with uncomplicated appendicitis through use of same-day discharge and elimination of postoperative antibiotics

Retrospective study of 575 pediatric appendectomy patients demonstrates that same-day discharge and elimination of postoperative antibiotics for gangrenous appendicitis significantly reduces length of stay without increasing complications, readmissions, or infection rates. Protocol implementation reduced postoperative stay from 10.6 to 2.6 hours while maintaining patient safety.