Abstract
Abstract Aims Intra-operative bleeding is very rarely a complication of laparoscopic appendicectomy. Despite this, it is often mandatory for any patient undergoing an emergency appendicectomy to have pre-operative ABO blood type sampling. This could be an unnecessary expense and may lead to patients being delayed for theatre. The aim of this study was to see how many patients who underwent an appendicectomy required a blood transfusion intra-operatively or within 30 days of their operation. Methods Data were collected retrospectively for patients of all ages who underwent an appendicectomy for suspected appendicitis at a single centre from March 2018 to May 2020. The primary outcome measure was intra-operative and post-operative blood transfusion up until 30 days after the operation. Results Over 26 months, 698 appendicectomies were performed. Preoperative ABO blood typing was performed in 95% (n = 663) of patients. Collectively, 1,305 blood samples were obtained at a combined total cost of £13,703 to the hospital. None of the patients required blood transfusion intra- or post-operatively. Pre-operative blood transfusion was performed in only three patients, all due to chronic anaemia. 21 (3%) patients were delayed in going to theatre whilst awaiting two valid ABO blood typing results. Conclusions Emergency appendicectomies very rarely experience complications associated with bleeding or requiring blood transfusion. Clinical guidelines should reflect this by avoiding recommendation of such tests in emergency appendicectomies, reducing delays to surgery and resulting in a more efficient allocation of financial and staff resources.