Evaluation of early surgical management of complicated appendicitis by appendicular mass

Aim: This prospective study was done to evaluate the feasibility and safety of immediate appendicectomy in the presence of appendicular mass. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted over 46 consecutive patients (mean age: 24 ± 8.76 years) presenting with an appendicular mass over a 4-year period. They were subjected for immediate appendicectomy within 24 h of admission. Results: The appendix was identified and removed in all 46 patients at operation. Peri-appendiceal abscesses were present in 25% (11 of 46). There was difficulty with adhesolysis and localization of the appendix in 10%(4) of patients. Superficial wound infection had occurred in 8(17%) while deep wound infection had occurred in 9%(4) patients. The mean hospital stay was 3 ± 0.25 day. No major complications had occurred. Conclusions: Early surgical intervention in patients with an appendicular mass is feasible, safe and avoids the consequences of the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of other surgical pathologies. © 2010 Surgical Associates Ltd.