Characteristics Of Appendicitis Patients Who Were Hospitalized At Putri Hijau Hospital In Medan 2018

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Characteristics of Appendicitis Patients who were hospitalized at Putri Hijau Hospital in Medan 2018

Introduction

Appendicitis is a significant public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is an infection that occurs in the appendix, a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine. In a study conducted at Putri Hijau Hospital in Medan, Indonesia in 2018, researchers analyzed the characteristics of patients with appendicitis who were hospitalized. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of patients with appendicitis in the hospital.

Research Methodology

This study used a descriptive case series design, which involves the collection and analysis of data from a group of patients with a specific condition. The data was collected from patients who were hospitalized at Putri Hijau Hospital in Medan in 2018. The researchers used the Chi Square, Mann Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis test to analyze the data.

Research Result

The results of this study show that the highest proportion of patients with appendicitis is in the age group of 20-30 years, with a percentage of 39.4%. This is followed by the 31-40 year old group, with a percentage of 26.3%. In terms of gender, 63.5% of the total sufferers are women. The majority of respondents are Muslim (76.0%) and most of them are educated at the high school/equivalent level (60.6%). In addition, many sufferers are students or students (43.3%) and come from Medan City (79.8%).

The most common clinical symptoms are the lower right abdominal pain, reported by 37.5% of all sufferers. Patients who experience acute appendicitis reached 72.1%, with 59.6% of which have complications. The most common type of complications is peritonitis (27.9%). In terms of the number of leukocytes, 81.7% of patients have the number of leukocytes ≥10,000/mm³. The average length of treatment at the hospital is 5 days, with 88.5% of patients returning home.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study provide a clear picture of the characteristics of appendicitis patients at Putri Hijau Hospital Medan. The 20-30 year old group dominates, which shows that young adults are more susceptible to this condition. This can be caused by eating patterns, physical activity, and lifestyle that can affect digestive health.

The presence of symptoms of lower right abdominal pain as a major feature of appendicitis becomes important to be considered by the community. Patients who are diagnosed with acute appendicitis without complications tend to have a better prognosis, so early detection is the key to avoiding more serious complications.

In terms of complications, the high number of peritonitis involvement shows the need for better treatment to prevent this condition. Patients with high number of leukocytes also need special attention, because this indicates a more severe infection.

Implications for the Community

Based on these findings, it is very important for the community to realize the symptoms of appendicitis and immediately seek medical help if you experience lower right abdominal pain. Fast detection and treatment can prevent more severe conditions and complications that may arise, such as peritonitis.

The community is also expected to better understand the importance of healthy lifestyles, including good diet and regular exercise, to maintain digestive health. Understand that abdominal pain is not just a small thing and must be watched out as a sign of serious health problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of patients with appendicitis who were hospitalized at Putri Hijau Hospital in Medan in 2018. The results of this study show that young adults are more susceptible to this condition, and that early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing more severe complications. The community is expected to be aware of the symptoms of appendicitis and to adopt healthy lifestyles to maintain digestive health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Early detection and treatment: Patients who experience lower right abdominal pain should seek medical help immediately to prevent more severe complications.
  2. Healthy lifestyles: The community is expected to adopt healthy lifestyles, including good diet and regular exercise, to maintain digestive health.
  3. Better treatment: Patients with high number of leukocytes need special attention, and better treatment is needed to prevent peritonitis and other complications.
  4. Public awareness: The community is expected to be aware of the symptoms of appendicitis and to take necessary precautions to prevent this condition.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Limited data collection: The data collection was limited to patients who were hospitalized at Putri Hijau Hospital in Medan in 2018, which may not be representative of the larger population.
  3. Limited analysis: The analysis of the data was limited to the Chi Square, Mann Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis test, which may not be sufficient to fully understand the characteristics of patients with appendicitis.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

  1. Increase sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Collect more data: Future studies should collect more data, including demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, to fully understand the characteristics of patients with appendicitis.
  3. Use more advanced analysis: Future studies should use more advanced analysis, including regression analysis and machine learning algorithms, to fully understand the relationships between the variables.

References

  1. World Health Organization. (2018). Appendicitis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/appendicitis
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Appendicitis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/appendicitis/index.html
  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Appendicitis. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/appendicitis
    Frequently Asked Questions about Appendicitis

Q: What is appendicitis?

A: Appendicitis is an infection that occurs in the appendix, a small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine. It is a common cause of abdominal pain and can be a serious condition if left untreated.

Q: What are the symptoms of appendicitis?

A: The most common symptom of appendicitis is lower right abdominal pain, which can be severe and persistent. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.

Q: Who is at risk for appendicitis?

A: Anyone can develop appendicitis, but it is more common in young adults, particularly those between the ages of 10 and 30. People who are overweight or obese, have a family history of appendicitis, or have a history of gastrointestinal problems may also be at increased risk.

Q: How is appendicitis diagnosed?

A: Appendicitis is typically diagnosed based on a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound.

Q: What is the treatment for appendicitis?

A: The treatment for appendicitis usually involves surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. This can be done through an open incision or laparoscopically, using a minimally invasive technique.

Q: Can appendicitis be prevented?

A: While there is no surefire way to prevent appendicitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Q: What are the complications of appendicitis?

A: If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to serious complications, including perforation of the appendix, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity), and abscess formation. These complications can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Q: How long does it take to recover from appendicitis?

A: The recovery time from appendicitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. Generally, patients can expect to spend 3-5 days in the hospital and 1-2 weeks at home recovering.

Q: Can appendicitis recur?

A: Yes, appendicitis can recur, particularly if the appendix is not completely removed during surgery. However, the risk of recurrence is low if the appendix is removed properly.

Q: What are the warning signs of appendicitis?

A: The warning signs of appendicitis include:

  • Severe abdominal pain that worsens over time
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal tenderness and guarding (muscle tension)

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have appendicitis?

A: If you suspect you have appendicitis, seek medical attention immediately. Do not delay treatment, as this can lead to serious complications.

Q: Can I treat appendicitis at home?

A: No, appendicitis should not be treated at home. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.

Q: What are the costs associated with treating appendicitis?

A: The costs associated with treating appendicitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. Generally, patients can expect to pay $10,000 to $20,000 or more for treatment.

Q: Can I prevent appendicitis with diet and lifestyle changes?

A: While there is no surefire way to prevent appendicitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Q: What are the long-term effects of appendicitis?

A: The long-term effects of appendicitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. Generally, patients can expect to experience some degree of abdominal pain and discomfort for several weeks after treatment.

Q: Can I get appendicitis again?

A: Yes, appendicitis can recur, particularly if the appendix is not completely removed during surgery. However, the risk of recurrence is low if the appendix is removed properly.