Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Drain insertion after appendectomy in children with perforated appendicitis based on a single-center experience
1Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Insights
Drain insertion after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in children did not improve outcomes. This practice was associated with longer hospital stays and increased complication rates, suggesting it should be avoided.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Appendicitis Management
Background:
- Appendicitis management in children lacks consensus.
- Treatment and diagnostic methods vary across institutions.
- The role of peritoneal drains in pediatric appendectomy is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of peritoneal drain insertion after appendectomy in pediatric patients.
- To determine if drain placement impacts postoperative outcomes in children with perforated appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for perforated appendicitis (2003-2012).
- Comparison of patients with and without Jackson-Pratt (JP) drains regarding preoperative factors and postoperative results.
- Statistical analysis using t-tests and chi-square/Fisher exact tests.
Main Results:
- 958 patients reviewed; 342 had perforated appendicitis, with 108 (31.6%) receiving JP drains.
- JP drain group experienced significantly longer hospital stays (6.38 vs. 3.87 days, P < 0.001).
- Higher complication rates (22.2% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.003) were observed in the JP drain group, including intra-abdominal abscesses.
Conclusions:
- Limited evidence supports the routine use of peritoneal drains after appendectomy in children, even for perforated cases.
- Drain insertion was linked to adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization and increased complications.
- Findings suggest reconsidering the use of drains in pediatric appendectomies.
Purpose:
Management of appendicitis in children has always been an issue in pediatric surgery. Both diagnostic methods and treatment vary significantly among medical centers, and little consensus exists in many aspects of the care for patients with appendicitis. Here, we assessed the value of drain insertion after appendectomy in children.
Methods:
This study is a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2012. Patients who had a peritoneal drain inserted after appendectomy were compared with patients without drains regarding preoperative features and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analyses included a 2-tailed Student t-test and a chi-square or Fisher exact test.
Results:
In total, 958 patients were reviewed. Of 342 patients with perforated appendicitis, 108 (31.6%) had Jackson-Pratt (JP) drains inserted. The JP group had a longer hospital stay compared with the non-JP group (6.38 ± 3.59 days vs. 3.87 ± 2.38 days, P < 0.001). The JP group also had higher complication rates (22.2% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.003), including the formation of intra-abdominal abscesses.
Conclusion:
According to our results, there seems to be little evidence to support peritoneal drain insertion after appendectomy, even in perforated appendicitis cases.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
