The exploratory objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of an enhanced recovery protocol that will allow adult patients to be discharged to home on an oral antibiotic regimen for three days following a laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. Feasibility will be determined by high compliance and adherence of patients to the postoperative instructions, while safety will be assessed by the incidence of postoperative infectious complications and requirement for re-admission.
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age.
Patients undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy.
Diagnosis of complicated appendicitis based on pre-operative imaging or intra-operative assessment. The definition of a complicated appendicitis will include: (a) perforated appendicitis, without generalized peritonitis; (b) gangrenous appendicitis, without generalized peritonitis; (c) suppurative appendicitis; (d) iatrogenic perforation of the appendix.
Meet criteria for discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
Age < 18 years or > 65 years.
Pregnancy.
Homelessness.
Patients who present with generalized peritonitis.