Classificação e tratamento laparoscópico da apendicite aguda

Abstract

Introduction: a laparoscopic classification for appendicitis may contribute for stratification of patients and a better acknowledge of the degree of the appendicular disease and, therefore, guide treatment and allow the creation of better and more homogeneous groups for study. Objectives: to validate the laparoscopic classification for the diagnosis, graduation and treatment of acute appendicitis in its different evolutional degrees. To verify its safety and efficacy in the treatment of the appendical stump with the metal clip according to the established protocol and evaluate the frequency of complications of laparoscopic appendicectomy. Method: a total of 186 patients with acute appendicitis who haveundergone diagnostic laparoscopic followed by appendectomy, were prospectively evaluated by accuracy study, between January 2005 and July 2007. Age varied between 12 and 75 years old (31,7 ± 13.3), 52,7% male and 98,9% white. Based on anatomopathologic studies of the extirpates appendices and laboratory test of the peritoneum secretion a laparoscopic classification to determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. A kappa coefficient was applies to verify the concordancebetween classifications. Safety and efficacy of the appendicular stump treatment by use of the metal clip were verified by descriptive statistical variables: feasibility of the procedure and need for laparotomy. The incidence of complications and necessity of re-operation were also evaluated. Results: according to the laparoscopic classification, the patient distribution was 19 grade 0 (normal appearance), 52 grade 1 (hyperemia and edema), 66 grade 2 (fibrinous exsudato), 16 grade 3A (segmentar necrosis), 5 grade 3B (appendicular base necrosis), 11grade 4A (regional abscess), 10 grade 4 B (regional peritonitis), 7 grade 5 (diffuse peritonitis). The sensiticity, specificity and accuracy of laparoscopic classification in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 100, 63.3 and 94.1 %, respectively, and presented substantial agreement [K = 0,74 (IC = 0.60 to 0.88)]. Concerning graduation, the diagnostic index were 63, 83.3 and 80.1%, respectively, and had moderate agreement [k = 0,39 (IC = 0.23 to 0.55)]. The appendicular stump was treated with metal clip in 93% of patients and tied with thread in 5,4%, in one case (0.5%) laparoscopic suture was use and laparotomic suture in two cases (1.1%). Superficial surgical site infection occurred in two (1.1%) patients and intraabdominal in three (1.6%). Re-operation was needed in only one patient (0.5) and there was no death. Conclusions: the laparoscopic classification proved to be valid and appropriate for the diagnosis graduation and treatment of acute appendicitis. The treatment of the appendicular stump with the metal clip is safe and effective in all grades of appendicitis and had no influence in complication rate. The incidence of complications of laparoscopic appendicectomy guided by the classification proposed is low, even in the most serious cases of appendicitis.