Racial disparities in outcomes after appendectomy for acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND: Although black patients with acute appendicitis have been shown to be less likely than whites to undergo laparoscopic appendectomy, it is unknown whether they suffer increased complications after surgical management of acute appendicitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2005 through 2009, using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, was conducted. Rates of serious and overall morbidity were compared between blacks and whites, with adjustment for preoperative risk factors, the severity of appendicitis, and surgical approach. RESULTS: Blacks were more likely than whites to suffer serious postoperative complications (4.8% vs 3.3%; adjusted odds ratio vs whites, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.67; P = .0002) or any complication (8.4% vs 6.0%; adjusted odds ratio vs whites, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.50; P = .0007). CONCLUSIONS: Racial disparities in postoperative outcomes exist for even a procedure as ubiquitous as appendectomy. More research is needed to determine the underlying reasons for these disparities. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.