Acute appendicitis in childhood: the role of controlled observation in imposing diagnosis

ABSTRACT

One hundred and forty-two patients with abdominal pain were suspected of having acute appendicitis, 72 of whom were operated upon after a period of observation varying between 6 and 72 hours. Only 3 patients had histologically normal appendix. The non-operated group were discharged home after a period of observation of between 12 and 36 hours. Of the operated group, 3 had wound infection of which only one was a deep infection. We believe that the benefits of a controlled period of observation far outweigh the possible complications of delayed surgery and include the improvement and accuracy of the diagnosis rate