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Published on: February 9, 2011
Streptococcus milleri in intraabdominal abscesses in children after appendectomy: incidence and course
Marjolein M N Leeuwenburgh1, Valerie Monpellier, Bart J M Vlaminckx
1Department of Surgery, Sint Antonius Hospital, Mailbox 2500, 3430 EM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. m.m.leeuwenburgh@amc.uva.nl
Introduction:
Intraabdominal abscesses are a common complication after appendectomy, especially in children. In this study, we describe the incidence and course of this complication in relation to the cultured pathogens found in intraabdominal abscesses.
Methods:
The charts of all patients between 1 and 18 years of age undergoing appendectomy in 3 hospitals between January 2006, and July 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Presence of an intraabdominal abscess was confirmed with abdominal ultrasound examination. We collected all details concerning the appendectomy, pus cultures, and postoperative course in these patients.
Results:
Two hundred fifty-nine patients underwent appendectomy during the study period. Subsequently, abdominal ultrasound studies showed an intraabdominal abscess in 18 (7%) patients. Intraabdominal abscesses developed more frequently after perforated appendicitis (23%) than after simple appendicitis (2%). The incidence of postoperative abscesses did not differ significantly between open (5.6%) or laparoscopic (6.3%) appendectomy. However, the rate was high (38%) in the patients in whom the appendectomy was converted from laparoscopic to open. In 15 out of the 18 patients with a postoperative abscess drainage was performed. In pus cultures of the drained abscesses Streptococcus milleri and Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated pathogens. Presence of S milleri was associated with prolonged hospital stay (13.9 versus 9.0 days, P = .105) and prolonged antibiotic treatment (11.3 versus 4.8 days, P = .203).
Conclusions:
The incidence of intraabdominal abscesses is high after perforated appendicitis in children (23%). Our data suggest that the presence of S milleri correlates with a more complicated postoperative course after appendectomy in children.
Insights
Intraabdominal abscesses are common after pediatric appendectomy, particularly with perforated appendicitis. The pathogen Streptococcus milleri may indicate a more complex recovery, highlighting the need for targeted management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intraabdominal abscesses frequently complicate appendectomies in children.
- Understanding the role of microbial pathogens is crucial for managing these complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical course of intraabdominal abscesses post-appendectomy in children.
- To investigate the correlation between cultured pathogens and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 259 pediatric patients (ages 1-18) undergoing appendectomy.
- Confirmation of intraabdominal abscesses via abdominal ultrasound.
- Analysis of surgical details, pus cultures, and postoperative courses.
Main Results:
- An 7% incidence of intraabdominal abscesses was observed.
- Abscesses were significantly more common after perforated appendicitis (23%) than simple appendicitis (2%).
- Streptococcus milleri and Escherichia coli were the most frequent pathogens; S. milleri correlated with prolonged hospital stay and antibiotic treatment.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of intraabdominal abscesses is notably high following perforated appendicitis in pediatric patients.
- The presence of Streptococcus milleri may be associated with a more complicated postoperative course after appendectomy in children.
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