Negative appendectomy experience in children

The aim of this study was to discuss the findings of our patients who had negative appendectomy.

Hospital records of negative appendectomy for abdominal pain patients were evaluated retrospectively.

Negative exploration for acute appendicitis (AP) was done in 149 patients. The most frequent complaints were abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. The commonly established diagnoses after negative exploration were gastroenteritis and urinary infections. However, the frequent pathologies observed during the operation were mesenteric lymphadenitis and Meckel's diverticulum. All patients with systemic disease such as Henoch-Schonlein's purpura operated for AP had it diagnosed during the postoperative course. Interestingly, two different types of worms were found in the lumen of the appendices.

Despite new techniques, 100% correct diagnosis of AP is still a challenging problem. Furthermore, appendicitis is a deadly disease if not treated properly. Therefore, it is best to perform exploration without undue delay in cases with suspicious AP.