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Incidental appendectomy in infants and children. Risk v rationale
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Incidental appendectomy during other abdominal surgeries may prevent appendicitis cases in children. This procedure offers significant benefits for pediatric patients due to the high incidence of appendicitis in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Appendectomies are frequently performed in children.
- Incidental appendectomies are common during other abdominal procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of incidental appendectomies in pediatric patients.
- To assess the potential for preventing acute appendicitis through this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 642 appendectomies performed between 1977 and 1979.
- Analysis of incidental appendectomies performed during other abdominal surgeries.
- Histological examination of removed appendices.
Main Results:
- 272 of 642 appendectomies were incidental.
- Approximately 54 cases of acute appendicitis may have been prevented.
- 3 patients developed wound infections; 24 appendices were normal, 30 showed minor abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Incidental appendectomy is a beneficial procedure for pediatric patients.
- The frequency of appendicitis in patients under 20 makes this intervention particularly advantageous.
- Careful consideration of incidental appendectomy is warranted in pediatric surgical practice.