Early versus delayed operative management of appendicular mass

Abstract

Abstract Background Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. It may be either complicated or uncomplicated. Sometimes the acute inflammation of the appendix may be enclosed by the patient’s own defense mechanisms to form inflammatory phlegmon. Complicated appendicitis is a palpable appendiceal mass, phlegmon, or a localized abscess. A phlegmon is an inflammatory tumor consisting of the inflamed appendix, with the greater omentum and adjacent viscera. Aim of the Work To determine the preferred approach taken to the management of the appendicular mass, to compare between acute appendectomy and delayed surgical intervention for appendicular mass, and to determine patient outcome following appendectomy for appendicular mass. Material and Methods: Study A retrospective study. Study Setting The study has been conducted in Ain Shams University Hospital (El-Demerdash) and military hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria under supervision of thesis supervisors. Study Period The study retrospectively analyze data of patients diagnosed as appendicular mass between January 2017 and December 2017. Study Population: Inclusion Criteria Patients with acute abdomen, diagnosed as appendicular mass by clinical examination and imaging (US and CT). Exclusion Criteria Females with right ovarian problems. Cases with right ureteric stones. Cases of recurrence. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT did not confirm the mass. Results The present study was a descriptive, retrospective, study that included 20 patients diagnosed with appendicular mass attended to surgery clinics at El-Demerdash and Military hospitals between January 2017 and December 2017. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I including 10 patients started conservative treatment then received delayed appendectomy. Group II including 10 patients received early appendectomy. Conclusion In conclusion, early appendicectomy is a safe and superior option in patients with appendicular mass compared to delayed appendicectomy. The results indicate that early appendicectomy leads to shorter hospital stay and return to normal activities than delayed appendicectomy. Moreover, postoperative difficulties and complications were less following early appendicectomy. The early appendectomy appears to achieve more favorable outcomes in patients with more severe symptoms, high fever, and high inflammatory markers. Nonetheless, more studies are necessary to confirm our findings.