Assessing outcomes and costs of appendectomies performed at rural hospitals

Abstract Background The purpose of our study was to assess the outcomes and costs of appendectomies performed at rural and urban hospitals. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (2001–2012) was queried for appendectomies at urban and rural hospitals. Outcomes (disease severity, laparoscopy, complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost) were analyzed. Results Rural patients were more likely to be older, male, white, and have Medicaid or no insurance. Rural hospitals were associated with higher negative appendectomy rates (OR = 1.26,95%CI = 1.18–1.34,p  Conclusions Rural appendectomies are associated with increased negative appendectomy rates and less laparoscopy use with no difference in complications or costs compared to urban hospitals.