Introduction Appendicitis is a common condition which represents a significant resource burden for the Scottish National Health Service (NHS). It is unknown whether there are significant differences in outcomes following appendicectomy which may be explained by geographic factors. Aims The aim of this study is to describe appendicectomy outcomes in Scotland as they vary by the urban-rural nature of the patient's home location and travel time from hospital. Methods This research study is a retrospective observational enquiry which will utilise administrative data from the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland. Patient episodes will be identified by a procedure code for appendicectomy, and the urban-rural classification of patients will be derived from postcode data. Travel time from hospital will also be estimated through postcode data. The investigators will study a 10 year period from January 2001 to December 2010. Primary outcome measures will be risk-adjusted 30 day/inpatient mortality, 30 day readmission rate, 30 day re-operation rate, length of stay and negative appendicectomy rates.
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Post-operative length of stay
Timeframe: From date of appendicectomy to date of discharge (whole days) - see below
Re-operation
Timeframe: Within the index admission or within 30 days of discharge
Re-admission
Timeframe: Within 30 days of index discharge
Mortality
Timeframe: Either within 30 days of procedure, or during continuous in-patient stay
Negative Appendicectomy Rate
Timeframe: At time of index procedure