Abstract

Ibrahim Akkoyun, Ertugrul Yalinkilinc

Introduction: In this study, we hypothesized that performing laparoscopic appendectomy following conservative treatment is a safe and feasible procedure in children with appendiceal mass. Patients and Methods: Ten children diagnosed with appendiceal mass were treated by conservative therapy in our clinic between August 2009 and August 2012. Among these, 6 children received only medical treatment, and 4 of them received medical treatment following percutaneous abscess drainage under US guidance. Patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy 2 to 3 months later. Age and gender of the patients, sizes of abscess, treatment modalities, length of hospital stay, complications, and pathologic examination results were evaluated retrospectively. All information was collected from computer records. Results: Six of the patients were male, and 4 of them were female, and their ages ranged between 4 and 15 (9.1 on average). The size of the abscess was between 3 and 8.5 cm (5.2 cm on average). Conservative treatment proved to be successful for all patients. After laparoscopic appendectomy, all patients, excluding one who required being hospitalized for 3 days, were discharged within a period of time shorter than 24 hours. No early or late complications were observed in any of our patients. Conclusions: We can assert that laparoscopic interval appendectomy to be performed after conservative treatment is a good option in the treatment of appendiceal mass