Antibiotic therapy and interval appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in children: a selective approach.

The role of initial nonoperative treatment in pediatric perforated appendicitis remains controversial. We examined our outcomes after using this approach in a selective manner. Children with perforated appendicitis treated during a 28-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Antibiotics and delayed appendectomy were used if there were more than 3 days of symptoms, absence of bowel obstruction, absence of diffuse peritonitis, and an appendiceal mass. Of 221 patients with perforated appendicitis, 32 (14%) were treated with this approach. Average age was 7.4 +/- 4.2 years. Twenty-eight patients (88%) were successfully managed and 26 (81%) underwent appendectomy 8.6 +/- 4.2 weeks after first presentation. Two patients did not respond completely, and underwent appendectomy during the same admission. Two patients initially responded, but had recurrent symptoms necessitating earlier appendectomy. There were no complications. Average total hospital stay was 7.2 +/- 3.0 days. Initial nonoperative treatment is highly successful in selected children who meet specific criteria. Failure is not associated with increased morbidity.