Researchers in Tennessee have found that early appendectomy for children with perforated appendicitis appears to be associated with significantly lower hospital charges and costs when compared with interval appendectomy. Average total hospital costs were $17,450 and $22,518 for patients treated with early and interval appendectomy, respectively, according to the findings. Costs were significantly increased with unplanned readmissions and adverse events, but these occurred more frequently among patients randomized to interval appendectomy.
Abstract: Journal of the American College of Surgeons, April 2012.
