Pediatric Appendicitis

Abstract

• Of 1,640 children with acute appendicitis treated at Cook County (Illinois) Hospital between Jan 1,1957, and Dec 31, 1976, 35% had appendiceal perforation. Overall morbidity was 12.8% and mortality was 0.24%. Antibiotics, transperitoneal drainage, and delayed wound closure were used routinely in children with appendiceal perforation. Antibiotics and transperitoneal drains did not appreciably alter the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess formation. Delayed wound closure in patients with appendiceal perforation reduced the incidence of wound infection by 75%. (Arch Surg 114:717-719, 1979)