Deriving literature-based benchmarks for pediatric appendectomy and cholecystectomy complications from national databases in high-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Health systems must identify preventable adverse outcomes to improve surgical safety. We conducted a systematic review to determine national rates of postoperative complications associated with two common pediatric surgery operations in High-Income Countries (HICs).

Methods: National database studies of complication rates associated with pediatric appendectomies and cholecystectomies (2000-2016) in Canada, the US, and the UK were included. Outcomes included mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), and other surgical complications. Outcome data were extracted and comparisons made between countries and databases.

Results: Thirty-three papers met inclusion criteria (1 Canadian, 1 UK, and 4 US Databases). Mean LOS was 3.00 (±1.42) days and 3.44 (±1.55) days for appendectomy and cholecystectomy, respectively. Mortality was 0.06% after appendectomy and 0.24% after cholecystectomy. Readmission and reoperation rates were 6.79% and 0.32% for appendectomy, and 1.37% and 0.71% for cholecystectomy. For appendectomies, LOS was shorter in Canadian and UK studies compared to US studies, and mortality and readmission rates were lower (OR 0.46 95%CI 0.23 to 0.93, OR 3.63 to 3.77 95%CI) in UK studies compared to US studies.

Conclusions: Outcomes after pediatric appendectomy and cholecystectomy are good but vary between HICs. Understanding national outcomes and intercountry differences is essential in developing health system approaches to pediatric surgical safety.

Level of evidence: II.

Keywords: Appendectomy; Cholecystectomy; Complications; Pediatric; Population database.