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Conservative management of appendix mass in children
J Gillick1, M Velayudham, P Puri
1The Chidren's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin, Ireland.
The British Journal of Surgery
|October 31, 2001
Summary
Conservative management of pediatric appendix masses is effective. Non-operative treatment followed by elective appendectomy offers a safe and successful approach for children, reducing complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Management of pediatric appendix masses remains a subject of debate.
- This study reviews a 19-year experience with conservative management of appendix masses in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-operative management of appendix masses in a pediatric population.
- To assess outcomes of conservative treatment followed by interval appendectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children with appendix masses (1982-2000).
- Comparison of immediate appendectomy versus conservative management (observation, antibiotics, supportive care).
- Analysis of complication rates and hospital stay for elective appendectomy.
Main Results:
- 84.2% of children (346/411) responded to initial conservative management.
- Elective appendectomy after conservative treatment had a low complication rate (2.3%).
- Histological confirmation of inflammation in 50.8% of removed appendices.
Conclusions:
- Non-operative management of pediatric appendix masses is a safe and effective strategy.
- Conservative management followed by elective appendectomy leads to favorable outcomes.