In this study we aimed to show that performing interval appendectomy is unn
ecessary in the management of appendiceal mass in children. Between 1990 an
d 1996, 866 patients were treated for appendicitis. Abdominal ultrasonograp
hy (USG) was performed in patients who were admitted with abdominal pain, v
omiting, and fever accompanying a mass in the right lower quadrant. Sevente
en patients (12 boys and 5 girls, with a mean age of 9.5 years) with a mass
in the appendiceal lodge and no abscess formation were treated conservativ
ely. Appendectomy was performed on any patients with perforated or unperfor
ated appendicitis who had an appendiceal abscess with a mass in the right i
liac fossa. Three-agent antibiotic therapy was administered for at least 1
week. These patients were discharged after a mean hospital time of 9.7 days
if regression of the mass was seen ultrasonographically. They were followe
d up for 1-60 months by physical examination and USG, and 11 of the 17 also
underwent barium enema. USG demonstrated disappearance of the mass and bar
ium enema showed a normal appendix in 10 of the 11 patients. No recurrent a
ppendicitis was detected during follow-up for 1-7 years. This study shows t
hat appendiceal masses that are perforated, ut localized with no fluid cont
ent revealed by USG, can be treated conservatively even if they are detecte
d late.