Active observation of children with possible appendicitis does not increase morbidity

Background: Attempts to maximise diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary surgery have led to the hospital observation of children with suspected ap pendicitis but unconvincing physical signs. However, morbidity associated w ith perforation necessitates the prompt management of acute appendicitis an d increases anxiety concerning prolonged preoperative observation. Methods: To assess the preoperative delay and subsequent complications asso ciated with active observation of appendicitis, we reviewed the records of 378 children who had an appendicectomy performed at the Women's and Childre n's Hospital during a 4-year period. Results: Active observation was associated with an overall diagnostic accur acy of 93%. The mean preoperative hospital time was 12 h. The incidence of gangrene or perforation was 32%, with a mean preoperative hospital time in this group of 7 h. In view of the short preoperative waiting time in this g roup, we do not believe perforation in hospital to have been a frequent occ urrence. The overall incidence of postoperative infective complications was 4%, with an incidence of 12% following perforation. Conclusions: Children with advanced disease often have convincing signs on presentation and are not usually subjected to a significant delay. Active o bservation is not associated with high postoperative morbidity.