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[Conservative treatment of post-appendectomy abscesses]
C Gutiérrez San-Román1, A Marco Macian, J Vila Carbo
1Departamento de Cirugía Pediátrica H, Infaltil La Fe.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Antibiotic therapy can effectively treat post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses in children. This approach offers a viable alternative to surgical drainage for some patients, improving outcomes and reducing intervention needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Abdominal Imaging
Context:
- Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure in children.
- Intra-abdominal abscesses are a potential complication following appendectomy.
- Current standard treatment involves surgical drainage.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic therapy as an alternative to surgical drainage for post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses in pediatric patients.
- To assess clinical and ultrasonographic (US) outcomes in children treated with antibiotics.
Summary:
- A prospective study of 626 pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy was conducted.
- 1.4% of patients developed postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses and were treated with metronidazole and amikacin.
- Of nine abscesses, four resolved with antibiotics alone, and three were managed with percutaneous drainage guided by US, demonstrating successful non-surgical interventions.
Impact:
- Antibiotic therapy presents a promising, less invasive alternative for managing select post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses in children.
- This approach may reduce the need for repeat surgical interventions.
- Ultrasonography is crucial for monitoring treatment response and guiding percutaneous drainage.