Inflammatory markers for acute appendicitis in children: are they helpful?

Background/Purpose

Diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children remains challenging, and the role of blood tests in the decision-making process is still unclear. We prospectively evaluated if routine inflammatory markers could contribute to exclude the presence of acute appendicitis in children.

Methods

Preoperative white blood cell count (WBCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were prospectively tested in children undergoing surgery for suspected appendicitis. Surgery was indicated on the basis of clinical findings and/or ultrasound scan, but WBCC and CRP values were ignored during the decision-making process. Sensitivity of individual markers and their combinations were assessed.

Results

One hundred children (55 males) with a mean age of 9.34 years (SD, 3.54 years) had pathologically confirmed diagnosis of appendicitis. A perforated appendix was found in 23% of cases. Elevated WBCC alone had a sensitivity of 0.6 (confidence interval [CI], 0.506-0.694). Sensitivity of elevated CRP alone was 0.86 (CI, 0.926-0.793). Elevation of either WBCC or CRP or both had a sensitivity of 0.98 (CI, 1.0-0.953).

Conclusions

White blood cell count or CRP values alone do not appear to provide any useful additional information to the surgeon. However, the sensitivity of the 2 combined tests is extremely high, and normal values of both WBCC and CRP are very unlikely in pathologically confirmed appendicitis.     

Single daily dosing ceftriaxone and metronidazole vs standard triple antibiotic regimen for perforated appendicitis in children: a prospective randomized trial

Introduction

Appendicitis is the most common emergency condition in children. Historically, a 3-drug regimen consisting of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin (AGC) has been used postoperatively for perforated appendicitis. A retrospective review at our institution has found single day dosing of ceftriaxone and metronidazole (CM) to be a more simple and cost-effective antibiotic strategy. Therefore, we performed a prospective, randomized trial to compare efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these 2 regimens.

Methods

After internal review board approval (IRB no. 04 12-149), children found to have perforated appendicitis at appendectomy were randomized to either once daily dosing of CM (2 total doses per day) or standard dosing of AGC (11 total doses per day). Perforation was defined as an identifiable hole in the appendix. The operative approach (laparoscopic), length of antibiotic use, and criteria for discharge were standardized for the groups. Based on our retrospective analysis using length of postoperative hospitalization as a primary end point, a sample size of 100 patients was calculated for an α of .5 and a power of 0.82.

Results

One hundred patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. On presentation, there were no differences in sex distribution, days of symptoms, temperature, or leukocyte count. There was no difference in abscess rate or wound infections between groups. The CM group resulted in significantly less antibiotic charges then the AGC group.

Conclusions

Once daily dosing with the 2-drug regimen (CM) offers a more efficient, cost-effective antibiotic management in children with perforated appendicitis without compromising infection control when compared to a traditional 3-drug regimen.     

Routine interval appendectomy in children is not indicated

Background

This study evaluates outcomes for children treated without interval appendectomy (IA) after successful nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective study of pediatric patients with appendicitis was performed from 12 regional acute-care hospitals from 1992 to 2004 with mean length of follow-up of 7.5 years. Main outcomes were recurrent appendicitis and cumulative length of hospital stay.

Results

The study included 6439 patients, of which 6367 (99%) underwent initial appendectomy. Seventy-two (1%) patients were initially managed nonoperatively and 11 patients had IA. Of the remaining 61 patients without IA, 5 (8%) developed recurrent appendicitis. Age, sex, type of appendicitis, and abscess drainage had no influence on recurrent appendicitis. Cumulative length of hospital stay was 6.6 days in patients without IA, 8.5 days in patients with IA, and 9.6 days in patients with recurrent appendicitis.

Conclusion

Recurrent appendicitis is rare in pediatric patients after successful nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis. Routine IA is not necessarily indicated for these children.     

Failure in the nonoperative management of pediatric ruptured appendicitis: predictors and consequences

Introduction

The initial nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis fails in 15% to 25% of children. These children have complications and increased hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of failure.

Methods

Children with perforated appendicitis treated with antibiotics and intent for nonoperative management over a 4-year period were reviewed. Seventy-five children were identified and included in the study. Failure was defined as undergoing appendectomy before the initially planned interval.

Results

Nine (12%) of the patients required appendectomy sooner than initially planned. Age, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, and white blood cell (WBC) count were similar in both success and failure groups. Absence of abscess and presence of appendicolith were both predictors of failure in a multivariate analysis, which included the presence of small bowel obstruction. The failed group had a longer median total length of stay (18 days [range, 4-67] vs 8 days [range, 4-31]; P = .002) and underwent 3 times as many computed tomography scans as successes (3 [range, 2-7] vs 1 [range, 0-5]; P < .001).

Conclusion

Lack of abscess and presence of an appendicolith predict failure of nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis in children even when the effect of small bowel obstruction is accounted for. Children with these characteristics may benefit from alternative management strategies.     

Antibiotics and appendicitis in the pediatric population: an American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee systematic review

Objective

The aim of the study was to review evidence-based data regarding the use of antibiotics for the treatment of appendicitis in children.

Data Source

Data were obtained from PubMed, MEDLINE, and citation review.

Study Selection

We conducted a literature search using “appendicitis” combined with “antibiotics” with children as the target patient population. Studies were selected based on relevance for the following questions:

(1)

What perioperative antibiotics should be used for pediatric patients with nonperforated appendicitis?

(2)

For patients with perforated appendicitis treated with appendectomy:

a.

What perioperative intravenous antibiotics should be used?

b.

How long should perioperative intravenous antibiotics be used?

c.

Should oral antibiotics be used?

(3)

For patients with perforated appendicitis treated with initial nonoperative management, what antibiotics should be used in the initial management?

Results

Children with nonperforated appendicitis should receive preoperative, broad-spectrum antibiotics. In children with perforated appendicitis who had undergone appendectomy, intravenous antibiotic duration should be based on clinical criteria. Furthermore, broad-spectrum, single, or double agent therapy is as equally efficacious as but is more cost-effective than triple agent therapy. If intravenous antibiotics are administered for less than 5 days, oral antibiotics should be administered for a total antibiotic course of 7 days. For children with perforated appendicitis who did not initially undergo an appendectomy, the duration of broad-spectrum, intravenous antibiotics should be based on clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

Current evidence supports the use of guidelines as described above for antibiotic therapy in children with acute and perforated appendicitis.     

A complete course of intravenous antibiotics vs a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics for perforated appendicitis in children: a prospective, randomized trial

Introduction

In a previous prospective randomized trial, we found a once-a-day regimen of ceftriaxone and metronidazole to be an efficient, cost-effective treatment for children with perforated appendicitis. In this study, we evaluated the safety of discharging patients to complete an oral course of antibiotics.

Methods

Children found to have perforated appendicitis at the time of laparoscopic appendectomy were enrolled in the study. Perforation was defined as a hole in the appendix or fecalith in the abdomen. Patients were randomized to antibiotic treatment with either once daily dosing of ceftriaxone and metronidazole for a minimum of 5 days (intravenous [IV] arm) or discharge to home on oral amoxicillin/clavulanate when tolerating a regular diet (IV/PO arm) to complete 7 days.

Results

One hundred two patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. On presentation, there were no differences in age, weight, sex distribution, days of symptoms, maximum temperature, or leukocyte count between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the postoperative abscess rate between the two treatment groups. Discharge was possible before day 5 in 42% of the patients in the IV/PO arm.

Conclusions

When patients are able to tolerate a regular diet, completing the course of antibiotics orally decreases hospitalization with no effect on the risk of postoperative abscess formation.     

Post-appendectomy visits to the emergency department within the global period: a target for cost containment

Background

Postoperative visits to the emergency department (ED) instead of the surgeon's office consume enormous cost.

Hypothesis

Postoperative ED visits can be avoided.

Setting

Fully accredited, single-institution, 617-bed hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

Patients

Retrospective analysis of 597 consecutive patients with appendectomies over a 4-year period.

Methods

Demographic and medical data, at initial presentation, surgery, and ED visit were recorded as categorical variables and statistically analyzed (Pearson χ² test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear). Costs were calculated from the hospital's billing department.

Results

Forty-six patients returned to the ED within the global period with pain (n = 22, 48%), wound-related issues (n = 6, 13%), weakness (n = 4, 9%), fever (13%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 3, 6%). Thirteen patients (28%) required readmission. Predictive factors for ED visit postoperatively were perforated appendicitis (2-fold increase over uncomplicated appendicitis) and comorbidities (cardiovascular or diabetes). The cost of investigations during ED visits was $55,000 plus physician services.

Conclusions

ED visits during the postoperative global period are avoidable by identifying patients who may need additional care; improving patient education, optimizing pain control, and improving patient office access.     

Appendicitis in the obese child

Background/Purpose

Little data exist that examine the surgical challenges of obese children. We hypothesize that obesity affects the presentation, diagnosis, surgery, and postoperative course in children with appendicitis.

Methods

Cases of all children treated for appendicitis over 6 years were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, presentation, pathology, and hospital course were examined.

Results

A total of 282 cases were reviewed; 25 were moderately obese and 31 very obese (VO), which were defined, respectively, as greater than 1.5 and greater than 2 standard deviations above the standardized mean weight for age. Groups were similar in age, sex, presentation, use of ultrasound, and surgical management. Compared with the nonobese group, median operative time was higher in the VO group (63.5 vs 55.5 minutes; P = .028), with the association between obesity and longer operative time maintained when stratifying for perforated/nonperforated and open/laparoscopic cases. Almost twice as many VO children were in the hospital for more than 5 days (nonobese 23.6%, VO 40.0% [odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-4.8]). This association between obesity and longer length of stay was seen when stratifying for both perforated and nonperforated cases. In the perforated group, higher rates of postoperative wound infections and significantly longer times to full diet and ambulation likely contributed to these longer stays.

Conclusions

Childhood obesity is associated with longer surgery and hospital stays and increased risk of postoperative infections. Obesity should be considered an important variable when looking at surgical outcomes in the pediatric population.     

Comparison of pediatric appendicitis outcomes between teaching and nonteaching hospitals

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the outcomes of pediatric appendicitis between a teaching and nonteaching institution.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients younger than 18 years treated for appendicitis between 1998 and 2007 was performed. The teaching institution has its own general surgery residency program, and the nonteaching institution has no surgical resident involvement. Both hospitals are part of a larger system and were similar except for resident involvement. Study outcomes included postoperative morbidity and length of hospitalization (LOH). Patients with perforated appendicitis treated nonoperatively were excluded. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and χ² analysis with P < .01 considered significant.

Results

Seven hundred ninety-two patients were treated at the teaching institution (mean age, 10.9 years; 62% male) and 1670 at the nonteaching institution (mean age, 11 years; 61% male). The perforated appendicitis rate was 31% at the teaching institution and 26% at the nonteaching institution (P = .008). Forty-five patients at the teaching institution and 14 at the nonteaching institution with perforated appendicitis were treated nonoperatively and excluded. For nonperforated appendicitis, despite similar rates of postoperative wound infection, abscess drainage, and readmission within 30 days between the 2 institutions, LOH was shorter in the teaching institution (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 1.8 ± 1.4 days; P < .0001). For perforated appendicitis, LOH and rates of wound infection, abscess drainage, and readmission within 30 days were similar between the 2 institutions.

Conclusions

Children with nonperforated appendicitis cared for at a teaching institution had similar postoperative morbidity and shorter LOH compared to a nonteaching institution. In patients with perforated appendicitis, postoperative morbidity and LOH were similar between teaching and nonteaching institutions. Overall, the presence of surgical trainees did not adversely impact on the quality of care for children with appendicitis.     

Pediatric appendicitis in New England: epidemiology and outcomes

Background

Acute appendicitis is among the most common indications for surgery in children in the Western world. The epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the United States has not been recently analyzed in a population-based cohort study.

Methods

Here, we describe the epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the pediatric population in New England from 2000 to 2006.

Results

Our results show that there is clustering of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis by hospital catchment area (Moran I index 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The overall incidence of nonperforated appendicitis decreased over our study period by 9.7% (P < .05), the proportion of perforated appendicitis did not change significantly over our study period, and there was a 38% decrease in the proportion of negative appendectomies (P < .05).

Conclusions

There were trends toward increased operative volume for pediatric surgeons as well as sharp increases in the use of laparoscopy and early discharge with home health services. Our results demonstrate that the epidemiology, outcomes, and trends in treatment of acute appendicitis continue to change.     

Dollars and sense of interval appendectomy in children: a cost analysis

Purpose

Although initial nonoperative management of focal, perforated appendicitis in children is increasingly practiced, the need for subsequent interval appendectomy remains debated. We hypothesized that cost comparison would favor continued nonoperative management over routine interval appendectomy.

Methods

Decision tree analysis was used to compare continued nonoperative management with routine interval appendectomy after initial success with nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis. Outcome probabilities were obtained from literature review and cost estimates from the Kid's Inpatient Database. Sensitivity analyses were performed on the 2 most influential variables in the model, the probability of successful nonoperative management and the costs associated with successful observation. Monte Carlo simulation was performed using the range of cost estimates.

Results

Costs for continued nonoperative observation were estimated at $3080.78 as compared to $5034.58 for the interval appendectomy. Sensitivity analysis confirms a cost savings for nonoperative management as long as the likelihood of successful observation exceeds 60%. As the cost of nonoperative management increased, the required probability for its success also increased. Using wide distributions for both probability estimates as well as costs, Monte Carlo simulation favored continued observation in 75% of scenarios.

Conclusion

Continued nonoperative management has a cost advantage over routine interval appendectomy after initial success with conservative management in children with focal, perforated appendicitis.     

Appendicitis in the child with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt: a 30-year review

Purpose

Each year, about 270 children are treated at our hospital for appendicitis, and there are 200 ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt procedures. The incidence of primary peritonitis after a VP shunt is 8% to 12%. The purpose of this article is to try and differentiate these 2 entities.

Methods

From 1973 to 2003 inclusive, appendicitis was diagnosed in 8 children with a VP shunt at our hospital; there were 7 boys and 1 girl with 5 acute appendicitis and 3 ruptured appendices. The first case was diagnosed on purely clinical grounds, whereas the last 7 were confirmed by ultrasonography and/or computed tomography.

Results

All 8 had appendectomy and the shunt was exteriorized in the 3 children with a ruptured appendix. There were no postoperative problems, and the 8 children remained well.

Conclusion

Acute appendicitis can and does rarely occur in children with VP shunts; however, in such situations, the correct diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging. The shunt must be temporarily exteriorized if the appendix is ruptured.     

Is it necessary to drain all postoperative fluid collections after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis?

Purpose

Children treated for perforated appendicitis can have significant morbidity. Management often includes looking for and draining postoperative fluid collections. We sought to determine if drainage hastens recovery.

Methods

Children with perforated appendicitis treated with appendectomy from 2006 to 2009 were reviewed. Patients with postoperative fluid that was drained were compared with patients with undrained fluid with regard to preoperative features and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analyses included paired Student's t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and linear regression.

Results

Five hundred ninety-one patients were reviewed. Seventy-one patients had postoperative fluid, of whom 36 had a drainage procedure and 35 did not. There was no significant difference in white blood cell count at the time of assessment for drainage (16.4 ± 4.0 vs 14.6 ± 4.9, P = .14), days with fever (3.5 ± 3.0 vs 2.9 ± 2.5, P = .35), or readmission rate (19% vs 31%, P = .28). After multivariate linear regression, larger fluid volumes were associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) (P = .03). For fluid collections between 30-100 mL, there was no significant difference in LOS between the drain and no-drain groups (9.8 ± 3.5 vs 10.9 ± 5.2 days, P = .51).

Conclusion

After appendectomy for perforated appendicitis, larger postoperative fluid collections are associated with prolonged LOS. Drainage of collections less than 100 mL may not hasten recovery.     

Surgeon-performed ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in appendicitis

Purpose

Diagnosing appendicitis may require adjunct studies such as computed tomography or ultrasound (US). Combining a clinical examination with surgeon-performed US (SPUS) may increase diagnostic accuracy and decrease radiation exposure and costs.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted including children with a potential diagnosis of appendicitis. A surgery resident performed a clinical examination and US to make a diagnosis. Final diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed by operative findings and pathology. Results were compared with radiology department US (RDUS) and a large randomized trial. Analysis was performed using Fisher exact test.

Results

Fifty-four patients were evaluated and underwent SPUS. Twenty-nine patients (54%) had appendicitis. Overall accuracy was 89%, with accuracy increasing from 85% to 93% between the 2 halves of the study. Radiology department US was performed on 21 patients before surgical evaluation, yielding an accuracy of 81%. Surgeon-performed US on those 21 patients yielded an accuracy of 90%. No statistical differences were found between any groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

Accuracy of SPUS was similar to RDUS and that of a large prospective randomized trial performed by radiologists. Furthermore, when the same clinician performs the clinical examination and US, a high level of accuracy can be achieved. With this degree of accuracy, SPUS may be used as a primary diagnostic tool and computed tomography reserved for challenging cases, limiting costs, and radiation exposure.     

Pediatric appendicitis rupture rate: disparities despite universal health care

Background/Purpose

Significant socioeconomic disparities have been observed in the rates of perforated appendicitis among children in private health care. We seek to explore if, in the Canadian system of public, universal health care access, pediatric appendicitis rupture rates are an indicator of health disparities.

Methods

Using the Population Health Research Data Repository housed at Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, a retrospective analysis over a 20-year period (1983-2003) examined all patients aged less than 18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedural codes for appendicitis (N = 7475). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios in the association between appendiceal rupture rates and the patient's socioeconomic status (SES) based upon average household income of the census area adjusted for age, sex, area of residence, and treating hospital.

Results

The overall appendiceal rupture rate was 28.8%. Significant positive predictors of appendiceal rupture were lower rural SES, lower urban SES, younger age, northern area of residence, and receiving treatment at the province's only pediatric tertiary care hospital.

Conclusion

Despite free, universal access health care, children from lower SES areas have increased appendiceal rupture rates. Seeking and accessing medical attention can be complicated by social, behavioral, and geographical problems.     

An evidence-based clinical protocol for diagnosis of acute appendicitis decreased the use of computed tomography in children

Purpose

The increased use of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose appendicitis in children has led to a concern for the possibility of increased CT-related cancer morbidity. We designed a clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis in children in an attempt to decrease the use of CT scans at our institution.

Methods

Patients who had surgical consultation for suspected appendicitis were placed on the clinical protocol. Data concerning diagnosis and treatment were collected prospectively. Retrospective data from patients admitted to our institution with acute appendicitis before the clinical protocol were collected as historical controls.

Results

One hundred twelve patients were diagnosed and treated by our protocol between June and November 2009. Of these, 100 patients underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis. They were compared with 146 patients from 2007. In-house CT use decreased from 71.2% to 51.7% (P = .01). Preoperative ultrasound use increased from 2.7% to 21% (P < .001). The negative appendectomy rate increased (6.8% vs 11%, P = .25).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the implementation of an evidence-based clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis in children may safely decrease the use of CT scans and increase the use of ultrasound.     

Diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnancy

Background

The diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnant patients is challenging.

Methods

The records of pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis were reviewed.

Results

Forty-seven patients with suspected appendicitis were identified. Twenty-four patients did not undergo surgery. Twenty-three patients had ultrasound (US), none of which visualized the appendix. Seventeen patients were followed up clinically and improved. Six patients had a negative computed tomography (CT) and none required surgery. Twenty-three patients underwent surgery for presumed appendicitis. Three patients had no imaging. Twelve patients had US only; US was positive in 5 patients and all had appendicitis. Seven patients who underwent surgery had a nondiagnostic US. One patient had appendicitis. Seven patients had a positive CT and appendicitis at surgery. One patient had a positive US and magnetic resonance imaging, and had appendicitis. A total of 43 patients had US, of which 86% were nondiagnostic. Six US were read as positive and all patients had appendicitis. Thirteen patients had CT with no false-positive or false-negative results.

Conclusions

US, when read as positive, requires no further confirmatory test other than surgery. If US is nondiagnostic, further imaging may avoid a negative appendectomy.     

An evidence-based definition for perforated appendicitis derived from a prospective randomized trial

Purpose

Appendicitis is the most common urgent condition in general surgery, and yet there is no evidence-based definition for perforation. Therefore, all retrospective data published on perforated appendicitis are unreliable because of an ill-defined denominator. For approximately 2 years beginning in April 2005, we performed a prospective randomized trial investigating 2 different antibiotic regimens for perforated appendicitis. During this study, we strictly defined perforation as a hole in the appendix or a fecalith in the abdomen. Before this prospective study, perforation was staff surgeon opinion. We investigated the abscess rates in both the perforated and nonperforated appendicitis populations before and during the study to determine if our definition was safe and that there was not an increased risk of abscess formation in patients treated as nonperforated.

Methods

Records of all patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis during the immediate 2 years before using the definition were compared to those treated in the 2 years after the definition was implemented. Interval and incidental appendectomies were ruled out. The postoperative abscess rate (when perforation was not defined) was compared to the abscess rate of those for whom perforation was strictly defined.

Results

There were 292 patients treated for acute nonperforated appendicitis in the 2 years before the definition and 388 patients after the definition. There were 131 patients treated for perforated appendicitis before the definition and 161 after the definition was implemented. The abscess rate in those with perforated appendicitis increased from 14% to 18% after the definition was used. However, after the definition began to be used, the abscess rate for those patients treated as nonperforated decreased from 1.7% to 0.8%.

Conclusions

Defining perforation as a hole in the appendix or a fecalith in the abdomen is effective in identifying the patients at risk for postoperative abscess formation. Application of these criteria would allow substantial reduction in therapy for patients with purulent or gangrenous appendicitis who do not possess the same abscess risk. These data outline the first evidence-based definition of perforation.     

Postoperative bowel obstruction after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in children: a 15-year experience

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine and evaluate the incidence of postoperative bowel obstruction (PBO) after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in children.

Material and Methods

The medical files of children who have undergone an appendectomy, either via the laparoscopic or open approach, at our department from 1992 until 2007 were reviewed. Collected data included age at appendectomy, initial surgical approach, time interval to PBO, and type of definitive treatment. The incidences of PBO after laparoscopic and open appendectomy were compared with the χ² analysis.

Results

From the 1684 children who were found, 1371 had nonperforated appendicitis and 313 had perforated appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 954 patients of the nonperforated group and in 221 of the perforated group. Open appendectomy was performed in 417 and 92 patients of the 2 groups, respectively. Overall, the incidence of PBO development was 2.2%. In the laparoscopic appendectomy population, a significantly low incidence of 1.19% of PBO development was detected, compared with the 4.51% of the open appendectomy group (P < .0001).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendectomy diminishes the potential of PBO development. The overall incidence of PBO is not related to the severity of the disease but only to the initial operative approach.     

Appendiceal fecalith is associated with early perforation in pediatric patients

Purpose

A fecalith is a fecal concretion that can obstruct the appendix leading to acute appendicitis. We hypothesized that the presence of a fecalith would lead to an earlier appendiceal perforation.

Methods

Between January 2001 and December 2005, the charts of all patients younger than 18 years old who underwent appendectomy at our institution were reviewed. Duration of symptoms and timing between presentation and operation were noted along with radiologic, operative, and pathologic findings.

Results

There were 388 patients who met the study criteria. A fecalith was present in 31% of patients (n = 121). The appendix was perforated in 57% of patients who had a fecalith vs 36% in patients without a fecalith (P < .001). The overall rate of interval appendectomies was 12%. A fecalith was present on the initial radiologic studies of 36% of the patients who had interval appendectomies, and the appendix was perforated significantly sooner in these patients when compared to those without a fecalith (91 vs 150 hours; P = .036).

Conclusion

The presence of fecalith is associated with earlier and higher rates of appendiceal perforation in pediatric patients with acute appendicitis. An expedient appendectomy should therefore be performed in the pediatric patient with a radiologic evidence of fecalith.