Nonoperative Management In Children Research Articles

Non-Operative Management of Children with Pneumatosis Intestinalis Beyond the Neonatal Period: Opportunity to Decrease Resource Utilization, a Single Center Experience

Non-Operative Management of Children with Pneumatosis Intestinalis Beyond the Neonatal Period: Opportunity to Decrease Resource Utilization, a Single Center Experience

Çocuklarda Akut Apandisitin Ameliyatsız Tedavisi

Abstract
 Background: Most studies addressing non-operative management for acute appendicitis have focused on adults, and there are limited data available for children. We aimed to evaluate the results of successful non-operative management in children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis with our “additional criteria” and find which factors could be affecting the success rate and which cases could be candidates for non-operative management.
 Materials and methods: A total of 26 patients who were diagnosed with acute uncomplicated appendicitis and received non-operative management were re-evaluated retrospectively. Defining uncomplicated appendicitis was based on the duration of symptoms (

Risk Factors for Failure of Nonoperative Management in Children With Ileocolic Intussusception.

Zouari, Mohamed MD; Ben Ameur, Hana MD; Ben Saad, Nesrine MD; Rhaiem, Wiem MD; Ben Ayed, Maha MD; Mhiri, Riadh MD Author Information

Predicting the Severity of Acute Appendicitis in Children Using Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR).

IntroductionThe ability to predict risk of perforation in acute appendicitis (AA) could direct timely management and reduce morbidity. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are surrogate severity markers in infections. This study investigates the use of PLR and NLR as a marker for distinguishing uncomplicated (UA) and complicated appendicitis (CA) in children.Materials and methodsThis retrospective single-center study collected data between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020. Children between five and 17 years of age with histologically confirmed appendicitis were included. Cut-off values for NLR and PLR were determined by employing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with sensitivity and specificity in addition to regression analysis.ResultsA total of 701 patients were included with a median age of 13 years. Out of which 52% of the cohort was female. The difference between the NLR and PLR ratios between UA and CA was significant (p=0.05, Kruskal-Wallis). For UA, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and cut-off for NLR and PLR were 0.741, 3.80 with 95% CI of 0.701-0.781 and 0.660, 149.25 with 95% CI of 0.618-0.703, respectively. In CA, using NLR and PLR, AUC and cut-off were 0.776, 8.86 with 95%CI of 0.730-0.822 and 0.694, 193.67 with 95%CI of 0.634-0.755, respectively. All were significant with p<0.001.ConclusionsNLR and PLR are reliable, synergistic markers predicting complicated appendicitis which can guide non-operative management in children.

New Criteria Could Improve the Success Rate of Non-operative Management of Acute Appendicitis in Children.

Background: Most studies addressing non-operative management for acute appendicitis have focused on adults, and there are limited data available for children. We aimed to evaluate the results of successful non-operative management in children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis with our “additional criteria” and find which factors could be affecting the success rate and which cases could be candidates for non-operative management.Materials and methods: A total of 54 patients who were diagnosed with acute uncomplicated appendicitis and received non-operative management were re-evaluated retrospectively. Defining uncomplicated appendicitis was based on the duration of symptoms (<24 hours), clinical history, and radiologic findings. The radiologic evaluation was based on ultrasonography and computed tomography. The patients received an intravenous antibiotic combination (sulbactam/ampicillin, gentamicin, clindamycin) for five days at the hospital; the treatment was completed after 10 days with an oral antibiotic combination (amoxicillin/clavulanate, metronidazole). The cases have a follow-up period of up to two years.Results: The mean patient age and follow-up time were 13.0 ± 4 years and 41.6 ± 13 months, respectively. The mean leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and appendix diameter values were 15.48 ± 6.4 × 109/L, 11.79 ± 24.5 mg/dL, and 7.76 ± 1.4 mm on admission, and 6.86 ± 12.4 × 109/L, 4.17 ± 10.3 mg/dL, and 5.82 ± 1.6 mm on the second day, respectively. This decrease in WBC/CRP values and appendix diameter was statistically significant (p < 0.001). None of the patients had an early failure, complication, or adverse event. Recurrent appendicitis occurred in only five cases (9%) that were treated by laparoscopic appendectomy during the follow-up.Conclusion: Non-operative management for acute uncomplicated appendicitis in children regarding long-term outcomes with our criteria was satisfactory and initial success rates were excellent.

Nonoperative Management of Uncomplicated Appendicitis.

Several studies have revealed the success of nonoperative management (NOM) of uncomplicated appendicitis in children. Large studies of current NOM utilization and its outcomes in children are lacking. We queried the Pediatric Health Information System database to identify children <19 years of age with a diagnosis code for appendicitis. We used linear trend analysis to assess the subsequent utilization and outcomes of NOM in children with nonperforated appendicitis over time. We calculated the proportion of children experiencing treatment failure, defined as either a subsequent appendectomy or hospitalization with a diagnosis code of perforated appendicitis. We identified 117 705 children with appendicitis over the 9-year study period. Of the 73 544 children with nonperforated appendicitis, 10 394 (14.1%) underwent NOM. The odds of NOM significantly increased (odds ratio 1.10 per study quarter, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.15). The 1-year and 5-year failure rates were 18.6% and 23.3%, respectively. Children who experienced failure of NOM had higher rates of perforation at the time of failure than did the general cohort at the time of initial presentation (45.7% vs 37.5%, P < .001). Patients undergoing NOM had higher rates of subsequent related emergency department visits (8.0% vs 5.1%, P < .001) and hospitalizations (4.2% vs 1.4%, P < .001) over a 12-month follow-up period. NOM of nonperforated appendicitis in children is increasing. Although the majority of children who undergo NOM remain recurrence-free years later, they carry a substantial risk of perforation at the time of recurrence and may experience a higher rate of postoperative complications than children undergoing an immediate appendectomy.

Impact of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Presentation, and Management of Pediatric Appendicitis: Lessons Learned from the First Wave.

The fast-evolving nature of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented clinical, logistical, and socioeconomical challenges for health-care systems worldwide. While several studies have analyzed the impact on the presentation and management of acute appendicitis (AA) in the adult population, there is a relative paucity of similar research in pediatric patients with AA. To date, there is some evidence that the incidence of simple AA in children may have decreased during the first lockdown period in spring 2020, whereas the number of complicated AA cases remained unchanged or increased slightly. Despite a worrying trend toward delayed presentation, most pediatric patients with AA were treated expediently during this time with comparable outcomes to previous years. Hospitals must consider their individual capacity and medical resources when choosing between operative and non-operative management of children with AA. Testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 is imperative in all pediatric patients presenting with fever and acute abdominal pain with diarrhea or vomiting, to differentiate between multisystem inflammatory syndrome and AA, thus avoiding unnecessary surgery. During the further extension of the COVID-19 crisis, parents should be encouraged to seek medical care with their children early in order that the appropriate treatment for AA can be undertaken in a timely fashion.

Predictive Value of Alvarado Score and Pediatric Appendicitis Score in the Success of Nonoperative Management for Simple Acute Appendicitis in Children.

During the past decade, nonoperative management (NOM) for simple acute appendicitis (SAA) in children has been proven safe with noninferior complications rate. The aim of this study was to examine Alvarado score and pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) together with other factors in predicting failure of NOM in children presenting with SAA. Patients aged 5 to 18 years admitted to our department between 2017 and 2019 diagnosed with SAA were given a choice between surgical management and NOM. We divided the NOM patients into two groups: successful treatment and failed NOM, comparing their files for Alvarado score and PAS and other clinical and demographic factors, with a mean follow-up of 7 months. Failure was determined as need for appendectomy following conservative treatment due to any reason. A total of 85 patients answered criteria and chose NOM. Overall failure rate was 32.9%. We found no difference in the mean Alvarado score and PAS as well as in each component of both scores between success and failed NOM groups. However, when using the risk classification of the scores, we found a significant correlation between high-risk Alvarado score and failed NOM. After adjusting for age, gender, duration of symptoms, diagnosis of tip appendicitis, and presence of appendicolith, the odds of failure were four times higher among high-risk Alvarado group. Alvarado score of 7 or higher, older age, and diagnosis of an appendicolith on imaging are possible predictors for failure of NOM for SAA in children.

Perspectives on Pediatric Appendicitis and Appendectomy During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic.

Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical TechniquesVol. 30, No. 4 Research BriefFree AccessPerspectives on Pediatric Appendicitis and Appendectomy During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 PandemicStephanie F. Polites and Kenneth S. AzarowStephanie F. PolitesDepartment of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.Search for more papers by this author and Kenneth S. AzarowAddress correspondence to: Kenneth S. Azarow, MD, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, L223, 3181 Sam Jackson Pk Rd., Portland, OR 97239 E-mail Address: azarow@ohsu.eduDepartment of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:16 Apr 2020https://doi.org/10.1089/lap.2020.0197AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail Hospitals that care for children face the intersection of acute appendicitis and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This is complicated by reports of gastrointestinal symptoms in SARS-CoV-2, including in children.1,2 The management of pediatric appendicitis during this pandemic must be considered in the context of individual hospitals' SARS-CoV-2 testing, bed, staff, and personal protective equipment (PPE) capacity. Hospitals that also care for adults may be strained by SARS-CoV-2 patients while children's hospitals may receive an influx of patients in an attempt to consolidate pediatric care.3Some hospitals will test all children with appendicitis for SARS-CoV-2 or test based on symptoms and observe on antibiotics until results return. Others will assume SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Although appendectomy should not be impacted by restrictions on elective procedures,3 several institutions routinely perform nonoperative management (NOM) for uncomplicated appendicitis (UA). Duration of disability is decreased with NOM though length of stay is increased and 1 in 10 children require appendectomy before discharge.4 NOM avoids aerosolization during intubation and laparoscopy, avoids general anesthesia for children with a possible respiratory illness, and is particularly suited to hospitals with capacity to observe UA patients for >24 hours. Endpoints for successful NOM in children with SARS-CoV-2 may require modification due to viral symptoms, including fever.For hospitals with strained resources, appendectomy for UA may be favored due to earlier anticipated discharge, which increases availability of beds, staff, and PPE in the system. Such hospitals may find immediate appendectomy with SARS-CoV-2 precautions more efficient than waiting for SARS-CoV-2 results. This is contingent on operating rooms having adequate resources and technology to protect staff. Postoperatively, strong consideration should be given to same-day discharge.5When surgery is performed, anterooms for donning and doffing PPE should be utilized if available and minimum necessary staff should participate.6 Hospitals must allocate PPE, including N-95 respirator masks with face shield, or powered air purifying respirators, for intubation based on recent recommendations.7 For confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 patients, surgical staff require similar PPE, as laparoscopy carries a theoretical risk of viral transmission through aerosolization.8 Measures to reduce aerosol exposure include reduced insufflation and cauterization settings, liberal use of suction, meticulous hemostasis at trocar sites, and filtering of carbon dioxide insufflation for aerosols.8,9 Greater operating room turnover time should be expected.Resources should be rationed between SARS-CoV-2 patients and those ill from other conditions with similar severity, including complicated appendicitis (CA).10 Patients with CA with abscess may undergo initial NOM or operative management, although data supporting NOM should not be extrapolated to patients without abscess.11 Interval appendectomy (IA) after NOM has outcomes similar to upfront appendectomy. Based on the status of the pandemic, postponement of IA may be considered. Appendectomy should not be delayed in recurrent appendicitis.11In conclusion, management of acute appendicitis in children will be challenged by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. With comparable outcomes for operative and NOM of UA, hospitals must consider capacity and resources in determining the best course of action.Disclosure StatementNo competing financial interests exist.Funding InformationNo funding was received for this article.

Disparities in the management of paediatric splenic injury.

The non-operative management of splenic injury in children is recommended widely, and is possible in over 95 per cent of episodes. Practice appears to vary between centres. The Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database was interrogated to determine the management of isolated paediatric splenic injuries in hospitals in England and Wales. Rates of non-operative management, duration of hospital stay, readmission and mortality were recorded. Management in paediatric surgical hospitals was compared with that in adult hospitals. Between January 2000 and December 2015 there were 574 episodes. Children treated in a paediatric surgical hospital had a 95·7 per cent rate of non-operative management, compared with 75·5 per cent in an adult hospital (P < 0·001). Splenectomy was done in 2·3 per cent of children in hospitals with a paediatric surgeon and in 17·2 per cent of those treated in an adult hospital (P < 0·001). There was a significant difference in the rate of non-operative management in children of all ages. There was some improvement in non-operative management in adult hospitals in the later part of the study, but significant ongoing differences remained. The management of children with isolated splenic injury is different depending on where they are treated. The rate of non-operative management is lower in hospitals without a paediatric surgeon present.

Current Approach to the Diagnosis and Emergency Department Management of Appendicitis in Children.

Concerns about radiation exposure have led to a decrease in the use of computed tomography in suspected appendicitis, with increased reliance on ultrasound. Children with suspected appendicitis should be risk stratified using a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, white blood cell count, and ultrasound in order to guide further evaluation and management. Magnetic resonance imaging is a promising imaging modality but remains costly. Ongoing research is evaluating the role of nonoperative management in children with confirmed appendicitis.

Acute uncomplicated appendicitis study: rationale and protocol for a multicentre, prospective randomised controlled non-inferiority study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of non-operative management in children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis

IntroductionThis article presents an overview of a prospective randomised controlled non-inferiority study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of non-operative management (NOM) with operative management in children with acute...

The cost-effectiveness of nonoperative management versus laparoscopic appendectomy for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated appendicitis in children

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated the safety and short-term success of nonoperative management in children with acute, uncomplicated appendicitis. Nonoperative management spares the patients and their family the upfront cost and discomfort of surgery, but also risks recurrent appendicitis. MethodsUsing decision-tree software, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of nonoperative management versus routine laparoscopic appendectomy. Model variables were abstracted from a review of the literature, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and Medicare Physician Fee schedule. Model uncertainty was assessed using both one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. We used a $100,000 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) threshold for cost-effectiveness. ResultsOperative management cost $11,119 and yielded 23.56 quality-adjusted life months (QALMs). Nonoperative management cost $2277 less than operative management, but yielded 0.03 fewer QALMs. The incremental cost-to-effectiveness ratio of routine laparoscopic appendectomy was $910,800 per QALY gained. This greatly exceeds the $100,000/QALY threshold and was not cost-effective. One-way sensitivity analysis found that operative management would become cost-effective if the 1-year recurrence rate of acute appendicitis exceeded 39.8%. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that nonoperative management was cost-effective in 92% of simulations. ConclusionsBased on our model, nonoperative management is more cost-effective than routine laparoscopic appendectomy for children with acute, uncomplicated appendicitis. Level of evidenceCost-Effectiveness Study: Level II

Trends in pediatric spleen management: Do hospital type and ownership still matter?

Nonoperative management of traumatic blunt splenic injury is preferred over splenectomy because of improved outcomes and reduced complications. However, variability in treatment is previously reported with respect to hospital profit types and ownership. Our study objectives were to investigate the past decade's trends in pediatric splenic injury management and to determine whether previously reported disparities by hospital type have changed. We analyzed data from the Kid's Inpatient Database from Healthcare Cost and Utility Project for Years 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the likelihood of receiving splenectomy in different hospital profit and ownership types. Patients 18 years and younger admitted with blunt splenic injury (DRG International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev.-Clinical Modification code 865) were included. Treatment was dichotomized into nonoperative management, defined as initial attempt at nonoperative management, and operative management, defined as splenectomy within 1 day of admission. Of 17,044 patient records, 11,893 participants were studied. Not-for-profit hospitals demonstrated a higher rate of nonoperative management than for-profit hospitals in 2000 (83.8% vs. 71.0 %). Both not-for-profit and for-profit hospitals increased the use of nonoperative management, with a narrower disparity observed by 2009 (87.5% vs. 84.6%). The use of splenectomy was reduced significantly between 2000 and 2003 (odds ratio, 0.66; weighted 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.81). The rate of nonoperative management in children's hospitals remained very high across the study period (98.6% in 2009) and continued to be the benchmark for pediatric spleen injury management. Improvement was observed in nonoperative management rates for pediatric spleen injuries in both not-for-profit and for-profit hospitals. However, general hospitals still fail to reach the target of 90% nonoperative management. Further investigations are needed to facilitate optimal management of such children in general hospitals. Epidemiologic and prognostic study, level III.

The Presence but not the Location of an Appendicolith Affects the Success of Interval Appendectomy in Children with Ruptured Appendicitis

Purpose: To determine whether the presence and/or location of an appendicolith can predict failure of initial non-operative management in children with ruptured appendicitis. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients presenting with ruptured appendicitis was performed. Patients in whom the intent to treat was with initial non-operative management and interval appendectomy (IA) were selected (n = 117). One patient was excluded due to the presence of both intraluminal and extraluminal appendicoliths. Children who failed initial non-operative management were assigned to the “failure” group (n = 22). Children that improved and underwent elective IA were assigned to the “success” group (n = 94). Age, gender, duration of symptoms, presence of an appendicolith, appendicolith location (intraluminal/extraluminal), presence of a drainable abscess, and complications were reviewed. Results: There was an overall 18.8% failure rate for IA. Patients with an appendicolith had a 41.7% failure rate, and patients without an appendicolith had a 13% failure rate (p = 0.003). Patients with intraluminal or extraluminal appendicoliths each had a 41.7% failure rate. The presence or absence of a drainable in-tra-abdominal abscess did not affect the failure rate. Children in the failure group presented to the hospital earlier (6.57 ± 2.59 vs. 10.02 ± 7.21 days; p = 0.030). Conclusions: The presence of an appendicolith increases the likelihood of failure of initial non-operative management of ruptured appendicitis in children; however, the location of the appendicolith is not a predictor of failure.

Nonoperative Management of Nonvascular Grade IV Blunt Renal Trauma in Children: Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

To evaluate nonoperative management of grade IV blunt renal trauma in pediatric patients by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched between January 1992 and June 2008 for studies of pediatric renal trauma management. Inclusion criteria were patient age <or= 18 years and use of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma renal injury scale. A total of 95 children with grade IV injuries were identified. No intervention was required in 72% (68/95). Hemodynamic instability necessitated surgical exploration in 11% of patients (11/95). Of these, 46% (5/11) required a partial nephrectomy, 27% (3/11) underwent nephrectomy, and 27% (3/11) were salvaged. Angiographic infarction was not used for patients with delayed or persistent hemorrhage. Symptomatic urinoma developed in 17% (16/95). Of these patients, 81% (13/16) were successfully managed by percutaneous drainage or ureteral stent placement, and open intervention to manage complications became necessary in the remaining 19% (3/16). Partial renal preservation was possible in 95% of patients (90/95). Nonoperative management of children with grade IV blunt renal injuries is highly successful, with at least partial renal preservation possible in 95% (90/95) of patients.

Nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis in children: can CT predict outcome?

The optimal treatment of perforated appendicitis remains controversial, but there is a trend toward nonoperative management. CT scanning might be helpful in determining which patients could benefit from this treatment option. To determine the value of CT imaging in predicting clinical success or failure in children with nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis. Admission CT scans of 34 children with perforated appendicitis treated nonoperatively between January 2003 and June 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. All children were given intravenous antibiotics. Clinical outcome was correlated with imaging findings including the maximal area, number and complexity of collections, presence of an appendicolith or extraluminal air, and extent of intra-abdominal disease outside the right lower quadrant. Patients with an accessible simple collection were drained if their clinical condition did not improve. Successful nonoperative management was achieved in 20 patients; 14 patients failed nonoperative therapy. The presence of collections in three or more sectors (defined as the pelvis and four abdominal quadrants) correlated strongly with clinical failure (P < 0.05), while there was no correlation found between clinical outcome and the presence of an appendicolith, extraluminal air, distant ascites, and collection size or complexity. In the nonoperative management of children with perforated appendicitis, admission CT findings demonstrating disease beyond the right lower quadrant correlate with treatment failure.

Blunt splenic injuries: dedicated trauma surgeons can achieve a high rate of nonoperative success in patients of all ages.

Selective nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injuries is becoming a more prevalent practice. Inclusion criteria for NOM, which have been a source of controversy, continue to evolve. Age > or = 55 years has been proposed as a predictor for failure of and even a contraindication to NOM of blunt splenic trauma. Additionally, the high rate of NOM in children (up to 79%) has been attributed to their management by pediatric surgeons. We evaluated our experience with NOM of blunt splenic injury with special attention to these age groups. By using our trauma registry, all patients with blunt splenic injuries (documented by computed tomography, operative findings, or both) cared for over a 36-month period, at a single American College of Surgeons verified Level I trauma center were reviewed. Detailed chart reviews were performed to examine admission demographics, laboratory data, radiologic findings, outcome measures, and patient management strategy. All patients were managed by nonpediatric trauma surgeons. We then compared our adult data with that in the recent literature and our pediatric data with that of the National Pediatric Trauma Registry over the same time period. We identified 251 consecutive patients with blunt splenic injuries. Eighteen patients who expired in the immediate postinjury period were excluded from statistical evaluation. No deaths occurred as a result of splenic injury. Of the remaining 233 patients, 73 patients (31%) required early celiotomy, 160 patients (69%) were selected for NOM, with 151 patients (94%) being successfully managed without operation. Blunt splenic injury occurred in 23 patients age 55 years or older. Eighteen patients (78%) were selected for NOM and 17 patients (94%) were successfully treated without operation. Blunt splenic injury occurred in 35 patients less than 16 years of age. Thirty-two patients (91%) were selected for NOM. Thirty-one patients (89% of all pediatric patients) were successfully treated without operation. Age > or = 55 years is not a contraindication to nonoperative management of blunt splenic injuries. Children with blunt splenic injuries can be successfully managed nonoperatively by nonpediatric trauma surgeons.

Traumatic pancreatitis: long-term review of initial non-operative management in children.

To assess the safety and long-term efficacy of an initial non-operative approach to the management of pancreatic trauma in children. Retrospective case-note review of children admitted to our institution with the diagnosis of pancreatic trauma over a 10-year period from 1985 to 1994 inclusive. Fourteen children were identified with a diagnosis of traumatic pancreatitis. Eleven of the injuries were secondary to motor vehicle accidents or trauma from a bicycle handlebar. In seven patients there were associated intra-abdominal injuries and in eight patients the traumatic pancreatitis was complicated by development of a pseudocyst. Three pseudocysts settled without intervention, two resolved with percutaneous external drainage and the remaining three required open surgery. The mean in-patient stay was 21.2 days. The average length of follow-up was 7.7 years with no observed long-term complications. Non-operative management of traumatic pancreatitis in the absence of complete duct transection is safe in children and does not appear to be associated with adverse sequelae.

Pitfalls of nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma in children in Korea

During the past decade, the nonoperative management of children with blunt abdominal trauma without operation has improved dramatically by virtue of the development of medical technology. However, missed injuries or complications after nonoperative management often are associated with serious morbidity. The authors evaluated 86 patients between 1990 and 1994 who had intraabdominal solid-organ injury (excluding retroperitoneal organs) owing to blunt trauma. The liver was injured in 43 cases, the spleen in 36, and the pancreas in 14. Initially, 68 patients (79%) were managed conservatively and 18 underwent surgery because of unstable vital signs or associated injuries. Three patients had delayed surgery more than 48 hours after trauma) because of initially missed injuries (complete infarction of the spleen, duodenal injury, major pancreatic injury). Eleven patients (17%) with nonoperative management had a total of 13 complications. The most common complications were pleural effusion (6) and atelectasis (3). One patient had prolonged ileus owing to delayed absorption of an intraperitoneal hematoma, and the symptom was relieved by aspiration of the hematoma. A huge hepatic subcapsular hematoma developed in another patient and required percutaneous drainage with a pigtail catheter for 5 weeks. A pancreatic pseudocyst detected on the 16th hospital day also was drained with a pigtail catheter. A splenic abscess developed in another patient 24 days after a splenic injury, which was treated with ultrasound-guided aspiration. No patients died as a result of nonoperative management. In conclusion, even though patients with blunt abdominal trauma are stabilized and nonoperative management decided on, careful follow-up for a prolonged period is still necessary to prevent missed injuries or late complications.