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Intraabdominal serous fluid collections after appendectomy: a normal sonographic finding
B Aveline1, R Guimaraes, N Bely
1Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Laënnec, Paris, France.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Postoperative sonography 5 days after appendectomy frequently reveals inconsequential fluid collections. These findings are common and do not always indicate an abscess, aiding in accurate interpretation of appendectomy recovery.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Surgical Outcomes
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Interpreting postoperative sonographic findings after appendectomy can be challenging due to potential normal abnormalities.
- Understanding common, inconsequential findings is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify normal sonographic findings within one week after appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated recovery.
- To establish a baseline for expected postoperative sonographic appearances.
Main Methods:
- Sonograms were performed on postoperative day 5 in 44 patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis.
- Patients had normal clinical follow-up at 5 days and 6 months.
- Radiologists interpreting the sonograms were blinded to surgical findings.
Main Results:
- Fluid collections were observed in the pericecal area in 23% of patients (10/44).
- These collections were typically hypoechoic or anechoic, crescent-shaped, and immobile, measuring up to 40x20 mm.
- While more frequent in suppurative or retrocecal appendicitis cases, these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Inconsequential fluid collections are common on postoperative sonograms 5 days after appendectomy.
- The presence of a fluid collection on early postoperative sonography does not automatically confirm an abscess.
- These findings help differentiate normal postoperative changes from complications.