Perforated appendicitis, as defined by a visible hole in the appendix or an appendicolith free within the abdomen, carries significant morbidity in the pediatric population. Accurate diagnosis is challenging as there is no single symptom or sign that accurately predicts perforated appendicitis. Younger patients and those with increased duration of symptoms are at higher risk of perforated appendicitis. Elevated leukocytosis, bandemia, high C-reactive protein, hyponatremia, ultrasound, and CT are all useful tools in diagnosis. Distinguishing patients with perforation from those without is important given the influence of a perforation diagnosis on the management of the patient. Treatment for perforated appendicitis remains controversial as several options exist, each with its indications and merits, illustrating the complexity of this disease process. Patients may be managed non-operatively with antibiotics, with or without interval appendectomy. Patients may also undergo appendectomy early in the course of their index hospitalization. Factors known to predict failure of non-operative management include appendicolith, leukocytosis greater than 15,000 white blood cells per microliter, increased bands, and CT evidence of disease beyond the right lower quadrant. In this review, the indications and benefits of each treatment strategy will be discussed and an algorithm to guide treatment decisions will be proposed.

Introduction Since the first reported laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in 1991, a limited number of single-center studies have attempted to assess the procedure’s effectiveness and safety. Therefore, we analyzed a national Medicare database to compare real-world short-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic-assisted (including robotic) sacrocolpopexy on a United States sample of patients. Methods Public Use File data for a 5% random national sample of all Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older were obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for years 2004–2008. Women with pelvic organ prolapse were identified using ICD-9 diagnosis codes. CPT-4 procedure codes were used to identify women who underwent open (code 57280) or laparoscopic (code 57425) sacrocolpopexy. Individual subjects were followed for one year post-operatively. Outcomes measured, using ICD-9 and CPT-4 codes, included medical and surgical complications and re-treatment rates. Results 794 women underwent open and 176 underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was associated with a significantly increased rate of re-operation for anterior vaginal wall prolapse (3.4% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.018). However, more medical (primarily cardiopulmonary) complications occurred post-operatively in the open group (31.5% vs. 22.7%, p = 0.023). When sacrocolpopexy was performed with concomitant hysterectomy, mesh-related complications were significantly higher in the laparoscopic group (5.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.026). Conclusion Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy resulted in increased rate of reoperation for prolapse in anterior compartment. When hysterectomy was performed at the time of sacrocolpopexy, the laparoscopic approach was associated with an increased risk of mesh-related complications.

OBJECTIVES As the aging population in the United States grows, the investigation of urinary incontinence (UI) issues becomes increasingly important, especially among women. Using data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of UI among an ethnically diverse population of older, community-dwelling women. METHODS 5,374 female Californians aged 65 or older participated in a population-based, cross-sectional random digit dialing telephone survey. The CHIS 2003 adult survey included one question for Californians aged 65+ about UI. Additional information collected via the self-reported survey included demographics (age, race/ethnicity, education, and household income); general health data (self-reported health status, height and weight, fall history, and special equipment needs); medical co-morbidities; and health behaviors (tobacco usage, physical activity, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)). RESULTS The estimated state-wide female prevalence rate for UI was 24.4%. Prevalence rates increased with age. UI was significantly associated with poorer overall health (adjusted OR 3.43, p<0.001), decreased mobility (OR 1.81, p=0.004), current use of HRT (OR 1.72, p<0.001), being overweight or obese (OR 1.60, p<0.001), a history of falls (OR 1.53, p=0.002), and a history of heart disease (OR 1.38, p=0.010). After adjusting for all health factors, UI was not found to have any significant association with level of education, household poverty status, or smoking status. CONCLUSIONS UI prevalence among this diverse group of older community-dwelling Californian women parallels that of other population-based studies. CHIS demonstrated that poor health, increased BMI, falls, and decreased mobility are strongly correlated with UI.

Objectives Using a national dataset, we sought to assess patterns of pessary care in older women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and subsequent outcomes, including rates of complications and surgical treatment of POP. Methods Public Use Files from the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were obtained for a 5% random national sample of beneficiaries from 1999 to 2000. Diagnostic and procedural codes (ICD-9-CM and CPT-4) were used to identify women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and those treated with pessary. Individual subjects were followed longitudinally for nine years. Across this duration, patient care and outcomes (e.g., return clinic visits, repeat pessary placements, complications, and rate of surgical treatment of prolapse) were assessed. Results Of 34,782 women diagnosed with POP, 4,019 (11.6%) were treated with a pessary. In the initial three months after pessary placement, 40% underwent a follow-up visit with the provider who had placed the pessary, and through nine years after the initial fitting, 69% had such a visit. During this period, 3% of subjects developed vesicovaginal or rectovaginal fistulas, and 5% had a mechanical genitourinary device complication. Twelve percent of women underwent surgery for POP by one year; with 24% by nine years. Conclusions Pessary can be effectively used for management of POP in older women. Despite this, a low percentage of Medicare beneficiaries undergo pessary fitting. Lack of continuity of care results in a small, but unacceptable rate of vaginal fistulas.