[Relaparotomy after appendicectomy in childhood (author's transl)]

In 591 appendectomies a repeat laparotomy was necessary in 19 children (3.2%). 12 of these children had had perforated appendicitis. After a so-called "chronic appendicitis" we have never seen an indication for a second operation. The most important indications requiring relaparotomy were the post-operative ileus and the septic complications. We found intra-abdominal infections mainly after perforated appendicitis, the re-laparotomy was never carried out before the eighth post-operative day.