Does neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predict hospital stay in appendectomy patients?

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the postoperative length of hospital stay. In addition, the impact of radiologic and histopathologic findings on hospital stay was also evaluated. This was a retrospective study; 103 patients with appendicitis were included. Diagnosis was confirmed with computerized tomography (CT) scans, ultrasonography, and histopathologic examination. Correlations between the length of hospital stay and age; sex; NLR; c-reactive peptide (CRP) levels; appendix diameter on CT scan or ultrasonography; appendix localization; and pathology reports were evaluated. The length of hospital stay was not related to age or sex. The length of hospital stay after appendectomy was correlated with appendix diameter on CT scan and phlegmonous appendicitis, but it was not associated with NLR, CRP levels, or appendix diameter on ultrasonography. This is a pioneer study, given there is no comprehensive study to date evaluating the association between NLR levels and the length of hospital stay of patients with acute appendicitis. NLR is not associated with the length of hospital stay. Appendix diameter with CT scan and appendix pathology reports are correlated with the length of postoperative hospital stay in appendectomy patients.