[Post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses: six years' experience in a Pediatric Surgery Department]

Abstract

Objectives: Post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses are estimated to complicate up to 4.2% of acute non-perforated appendicitis and between 6.7% and 28% acute perforated appendicitis. This study was performed with the aim to review and characterize post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses in our Pediatric Surgery department; to calculate their incidence and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment modality.

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients, under 18 years and with the diagnosis of intra-abdominal abscess post-appendectomy, between January 2010 and December 2015 was performed, taking in account initial surgical approach, type of acute appendicitis, length of hospital stay and the treatment applied. Data were collected by reviewing clinical files.

Results: In a total of 1,340 appendectomies performed, there were 24 intra-abdominal abscesses identified (1.79%). Eight were feminine and sixteen masculine, and mean age was 11.9 years. In 52% of cases the diagnosis was made in the initial admission. Twelve have been submitted to laparoscopic appendectomy and the other 12 to open appendectomy. Of the 24 patients, only 4 needed a surgical re-intervention, which leaves medical treatment an 83.3% success rate.

Conclusions: TThe incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses post-appendectomy, in the studied population, is what was expected and inferior to what's described in the literature. In our sample, conservative management for intra-abdominal abscesses post-appendectomy was successful in most of the cases, only 4 needing further surgical intervention.

Keywords: Abdominal abscess; Appendicitis; Conservative management; Pediatrics; Postoperative complication.