Preoperative Hyponatremia Indicates Complicated Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Objective: This study looks at the connection between preoperative hyponatremia and the intensity of severe appendicitis in Punjab.

Methodology: This retrospective observational study was conducted at dept. of general surgery BBH hospital Rawalpindi from August 2022 to December 2023. Data was retrieved from hospital medical records of all non-pediatric recipients who underwent surgery for severe appendicitis with age more than 14 years. A blood sodium concentration of less than 135 mEq/L was defined as hyponatremia. Based on surgical results and/or histology reports, cases were divided into two categories: complex and non-complicated appendicitis.

Results: This research discovered and enrolled 68 participants in total. Elderly and female patients were reported to have complex appendicitis with greater frequency. Significantly higher rates of hyponatremia were seen in patients with severe appendicitis (p < 0.001) and individuals with perforations compared to those without (p 0.048).

Conclusion: The current investigation established a link between complex appendicitis and pre-operative hyponatremia. An inexpensive, standard laboratory test called serum sodium content may serve as an auxiliary marker to help surgeons diagnose gangrenous or perforated severe appendicitis earlier.