Impact on family of management strategies for perforated appendicitis in children

Background/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact on the family of immediate appendectomy compared with initial nonoperative management for perforated appendicitis in children.MethodsSixty-six prospectively identified families of children with perforated appendicitis completed a daily activity journal and the Impact on Family Scale at presentation and at completion of therapy.ResultsThere were no significant differences in postoperative surgical site infections or number of missed school or employment days between the immediate appendectomy group (n = 40) and the initial nonoperative management group (n = 26). Impact on Family Scale total scores decreased over time for both groups, but this improvement over time was significant only in the initial nonoperative management group (P < .01).ConclusionsImmediate appendectomy or initial nonoperative management can effectively manage perforated appendicitis in children with no statistically significant differences in the number of missed school or employment days. Greater improvements in family impact are associated with initial nonoperative management as measured by the Impact on Family Scale at completion of therapy.