Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to compare Conservative treatment followed by Interval Appendicectomy, versus Emergency Appendicectomy for the management of appendicular masses in children. Methods: Retrospective review of all appendicectomy performed in Tallaght university hospital, in Paediatric Surgery Department between January 2013 and June 2016. We included 397 procedures of Appendicectomy, among those, 16% (n=64) were diagnosed as appendicular masses. Cases were classified into two groups. Group I included those who were managed conservatively and then underwent Interval Appendicectomy after 6 to 8 weeks, (n=20) 31.3%. Group II included those who were managed with Emergency Appendicectomy, (n=44) 68.8%. The outcomes in the two groups were compared based on three parameters; the duration of hospital stay, the duration of Intravenous Antibiotics and post-operative morbidities. Results: We found that the median duration of hospitalization in group I was significantly longer than in group II (10 days vs 5 days, P<0.0001). The mean duration of antibiotic therapy in group I was also significantly longer than in group II (10.4±3.17 days) vs (5.19±2.53 days), P<0.0001). Nevertheless, the overall complication rate in Group I was similar to that of group II (38.1% vs 25.6%, P=0.304). Conclusion: No major difference in outcomes between the conservative and emergency operative approaches in managing appendicular mass in children. However, operative management is more cost-effective with less duration of hospital stay, as compared to the conservative approach.