title: Conservative management of appendix mass in children.
abstract: Of 834 children who had appendicectomy for appendicitis 77 (9.2%) had developed an appendix mass when first seen. Under 6 years of age 25% of appendicitis patients had an appendix mass at presentation and almost 60% of the masses seen were in patients under six years of age. Forty three of the 77 masses (55%) were palpable only under anaesthesia. The masses were all initially managed conservatively by bed rest, intravenous fluids and intravenous antibiotics. All but eight (10%) of the 77 patients responded to this form of treatment. Interval appendicectomy was planned for a date 4 weeks following discharge. The overall total average bed stay including interval appendicectomy was 16 days. There were no late complications or relaparotomies.
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D001065:Appendix; D001510:Bed Rest; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004322:Drainage; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D010173:Palpation
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents