Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42321685›Full record

Observational studyBMC surgery2026

Rapid recovery vs standard care in laparoscopic appendectomy: a prospective study on patient-reported outcomes.

Tiia Mönttinen, Maija-Liisa Kalliomäki, Johanna Laukkarinen, Mika Ukkonen

Abstract readObservational StudyComparative Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in BMC surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Tiia MönttinenTampere University Hospital, Elämänaukio 2, Tampere, 33520, Finland.
Maija-Liisa KalliomäkiTampere University Hospital, Elämänaukio 2, Tampere, 33520, Finland.
Johanna LaukkarinenTampere University Hospital, Elämänaukio 2, Tampere, 33520, Finland.
Mika UkkonenFaculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpönkatu 34, Tampere, 33520, Finland. mika.ukkonen@fimnet.fi.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLaparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis traditionally requires postoperative hospitalization. Rapid recovery and same-day discharge protocols have been increasingly adopted, yet evidence regarding patient-reported outcomes is limited. This study aimed to compare a rapid recovery program with standard postoperative care, focusing on patient satisfaction, pain experience, and postoperative functional interference with daily activities.

methodsIn this prospective, non-randomized observational study with sequential group allocation, 96 consecutive adults undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis at a single tertiary hospital were enrolled. Patients were allocated sequentially into standard care (n = 62, enrolled first) or a rapid recovery program (n = 34, enrolled in a subsequent phase). Outcomes included length of hospital stay, postoperative pain intensity (NRS 0-10), pain interference with daily activities, sleep quality, and overall satisfaction, assessed via structured telephone interviews conducted 3-5 days post-discharge.

resultsBaseline demographics and comorbidities were comparable between groups. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter in the rapid recovery group compared with standard care (12 vs. 18 h, p < 0.001). All patients reported high overall satisfaction with care and pain management. Patients in the rapid recovery group reported lower worst pain (p = 0.049) and least pain (p = 0.006), while median pain was slightly higher (p = 0.004). Pain outcomes showed a mixed pattern that does not support a definitive conclusion regarding superiority of pain management in either group. Sleep disturbance due to pain was less common in the rapid recovery group (18% vs. 42%, p = 0.022). Nearly all patients expressed confidence in the rapid recovery protocol and would recommend it to others.

conclusionRapid recovery following laparoscopic appendectomy is feasible, well accepted, with high patient satisfaction and a modest reduction in hospital stay.

trial registrationISRCTN registered.

Indexed as

AppendectomyAppendicitisLaparoscopyPatient Reported Outcome MeasuresAdultFemaleHumansLength of StayMaleMiddle AgedPain MeasurementPatient SatisfactionPostoperative PainProspective StudiesYoung AdultAppendectomyLength of stayMorbidityPain managementPatient reported outcomes

Identifiers

PMID42321685
PMCPMC13531735

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.