Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4279600 | The American Journal of Surgery | 2012 | 5 Pages |
PurposeAppendicitis is the most common emergency surgical condition of the abdomen in children. This study sought to delineate the presentation and the outcome of appendicitis in children younger than 5 years old.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all children younger than 5 years of age who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis over a 12-year period.ResultsOne thousand eight hundred thirty-six patients younger than 19 years of age underwent appendectomy. Two hundred eighty-one children with an age range of 6 months to 4.9 years were included in this study. Perforation rates were higher in the younger patients (86% <1 year, 74% 1–1.9 years, 60% 2–2.9 years, 64% 3–3.9 years, and 49% 4–4.9 years), but the youngest children had fewer postoperative abscesses.ConclusionsIn children less than 5 years old with appendicitis, age has a direct correlation to the stage of disease. The youngest children present with more advanced appendicitis but are less likely to develop postoperative abscesses.