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Acute appendicitis in infants under two years old is rare but treatable. Conservative management of appendix masses followed by surgery is a safe and effective approach for these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
- Infantile appendicitis, particularly in the first two years of life, is uncommon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and management of acute appendicitis in infants under two years old.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of conservative management for appendix masses in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients treated for acute appendicitis.
- Analysis of cases presenting in the first two years of life.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes for conservative versus immediate surgical management.
Main Results:
- One percent (40 infants) of all acute appendicitis cases occurred in children under two years old.
- Nineteen of these 40 infants presented with an appendix mass.
- Conservative management of appendix mass followed by delayed appendectomy showed positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Acute appendicitis in infants under two years old is infrequent.
- Conservative management of appendix mass in infants is a safe and effective treatment strategy.
- Delayed elective appendectomy is recommended after conservative management of appendix mass.
Abstract:
One percent (40 infants) of all the children treated for acute appendicitis at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children presented during the first 2 yr of life. Nineteen of the 40 children had an appendix mass at the time of the diagnosis. Conservative management of the appendix mass followed by delayed elective appendectomy is a safe and effective method of treatment.