Predictors of peritoneal lavage use in pediatric open appendectomy: A retrospective study

Objective: This study aims to identify the clinical and diagnostic parameters influencing the decision to perform peritoneal lavage during pediatric open appendectomy.Materials and methods: The files of patients who underwent open appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were retrospectively scanned. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether peritoneal lavage was performed. Age, gender, accompanying symptoms, physical examination findings, hemoglobin, leukocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), abdominal ultrasonography (USG), abdominal tomography (CT) findings, intraoperative findings, and hospital stay duration of the groups were recorded.Results: The mean age and hemoglobin values of the peritoneal lavage group were statistically significantly lower than those without lavage (p<0.05). Fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, rebound, and CRP were higher in the lavage group (p<0.05). Leukocyte count and symptom onset time were statistically significantly lower in the no-lavage group (p<0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation existed between age, hemoglobin, CRP levels, and peritoneal lavage. There was a statistically significant and positive relationship with other parameters (p<0.05). According to the results of binary logistic analysis, CT and hemoglobin parameters were also substantial in multivariate analysis (p<0.05). Conclusion: While many factors affect the decision to perform peritoneal lavage in univariate analysis, CT findings and hemoglobin levels are significant parameters in multivariate analysis.