Is interval appendectomy necessary after rupture of an appendiceal mass?

Since 1980, the authors have not routinely removed an appendix on an interval basis after treatment of a ruptured appendiceal mass (phlegmon and/or abscess). In the present group of patients, there were eight boys and two girls, two to 15 years of age (mean, 8.5 years). All presented with symptoms and signs typical of ruptured appendix, with a mass suspected by history and examination, and proven by radiological means (usually ultrasonography). The patients were treated for at least 1 week with intravenous triple antibiotics; three required drainage of their abscess (2 radiological, 1 surgical), The follow-up has been both clinical and sonographic. In all cases the inflammation disappeared with 1 month. One child (2 years old) returned in 2 months with symptoms and signs of a ruptured appendix, and appendectomy was performed. The other nine have remained well, for 6 months to 13 years. From this experience and a review of the literature, only a relatively small number of patients with a properly treated ruptured appendiceal mass (phlegmon and/or abscess) will return with a flareup (recurrence) of appendicitis (requiring appendectomy); the rest live a normal life, with their asymptomatic appendix intact. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company