Interval Appendicectomy and Management of Appendix Mass: Experience in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

A wholly conservative management without interval appendicectomy was instituted for 13 patients diagnosed as having appendix mass between 1998 and 2002 in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Within three days of admission, one patient developed clinical features of ruptured appendix and three patients those of appendix abscess. The former had exploratory laparotomy and appendicectomy while the latter had surgical drainage without appendicectomy and were followed up with the other patients who responded well to conservative treatment. After being followed up for between 6 months and 4 years, only one patient had recurrent symptoms. These symptoms occurred two months after discharge and an interval appendicectomy was done for the patient.


We surmise that patient should earn appendicectomy after conservative management of appendix mass. Surgery is indicated only if there are recurrent symptoms. This measure will reduce the morbidity and cost of care associated with routine interval appendicectomy.


(Key words: Interval appendicectomy, Appendix mass, Benin City).


Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(1) 2004: 25-27