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Appendix mass in the very young child
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 1, 1981
Insights
Appendicitis in young children often presents as an appendix mass. Non-operative management of these appendix masses significantly reduces complications and hospital stays for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Appendix mass formation can complicate the presentation and management of appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of appendix mass in young children with appendicitis.
- To assess the impact of non-operative management on outcomes for pediatric appendicitis with appendix mass.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 158 pediatric patients diagnosed with appendicitis within the first three years of life.
- Analysis of diagnosis methods (clinical examination vs. examination under anesthesia) for appendix mass.
- Comparison of complication rates and hospital stay duration between operative and non-operative management strategies.
Main Results:
- An appendix mass was present in 54% (34%) of 158 pediatric patients with appendicitis.
- Appendix mass was identified in 19 patients via clinical exam and 35 under anesthesia.
- Non-operative management of appendix mass led to markedly reduced complication rates and shorter hospital stays.
Conclusions:
- Appendix mass is a frequent initial presentation of appendicitis in early childhood.
- Non-operative management is a safe and effective strategy for pediatric appendicitis presenting with an appendix mass, improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
During the first 3 yr of life 54 (34%) of the 158 patients presenting with appendicitis had an appendix mass at the time the diagnosis was made. In 19 the mass was discovered on clinical examination and in 35 on examination under anesthesia. Complication rate was markedly reduced and hospitals stay shortened if the appendix mass was managed non operatively.