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The utility of peritoneal drains in children with uncomplicated perforated appendicitis

B Tander1, O Pektas, M Bulut

  • 1Department of Pediatirc Surgery, Sisli Children's Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. buraktander@hotmail.com

Pediatric Surgery International
|July 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Peritoneal drainage in children with uncomplicated perforated appendicitis (UPA) does not improve outcomes. This randomized trial found no difference in complications, suggesting drains are unnecessary for UPA.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Peritoneal drainage in pediatric uncomplicated perforated appendicitis (UPA) remains a debated topic among surgeons.
  • Current practice often omits drainage, but lacks robust evidence from pediatric-specific randomized controlled trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of peritoneal drainage in children diagnosed with uncomplicated perforated appendicitis (UPA) through a randomized prospective trial.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized prospective trial involving 140 pediatric patients with UPA.
  • Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (70 patients) with peritoneal drainage and Group II (70 patients) without drainage.
  • Data collected included age, symptom duration, nasogastric drainage, hospitalization duration, and postoperative complications.

Main Results:

  • Patients without peritoneal drainage (Group II) experienced significantly shorter hospitalization durations and reduced nasogastric drainage times.
  • The onset of oral intake was significantly earlier in the group without drainage.
  • No significant differences in postoperative complications were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • Routine peritoneal drainage does not offer additional benefits for children with uncomplicated perforated appendicitis.
  • The findings suggest that omitting peritoneal drains in UPA cases can lead to faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.

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