[5th day syndrome after appendectomy. Plea against surgical treatment straight off]

Thirteen cases of post-appendicectomy "fifth day syndrome" (0.45% of 2,919 children operated upon) are reported. The diagnosis must be established on precise criteria. Treatment is primarily medical, using antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and it must produce rapid and complete results. It is only when it fails (2 cases in our series) that a second operation is justified.