Active observation of children with possible appendicitis does not increase morbidity.
BACKGROUND
Attempts to maximise diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary surgery have led to the hospital observation of children with suspected appendicitis but unconvincing physical signs. However, morbidity associated with perforation necessitates the prompt management of acute appendicitis and increases anxiety concerning prolonged preoperative observation.


METHODS
To assess the preoperative delay and subsequent complications associated with active observation of appendicitis, we reviewed the records of 378 children who had an appendicectomy performed at the Women's and Children's Hospital during a 4-year period.


RESULTS
Active observation was associated with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 93%. The mean preoperative hospital time was 12 h. The incidence of gangrene or perforation was 32%, with a mean preoperative hospital time in this group of 7 h. In view of the short preoperative waiting time in this group, we do not believe perforation in hospital to have been a frequent occurrence. The overall incidence of postoperative infective complications was 4%, with an incidence of 12% following perforation.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with advanced disease often have convincing signs on presentation and are not usually subjected to a significant delay. Active observation is not associated with high postoperative morbidity.
Kirby
C P
CP
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Sparnon
A L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000453:epidemiology; D009017:Morbidity; D019370:Observation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013997:Time Factors