BACKGROUND: Accute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal emergency. In 6% of these patients, appendiceal mass is palpable. The management of appendicitis with a palpable mass is controvertial. The present study analyses the results of conservative management of appendiceal mass in patients admitted at the University Hospital of Brasilia between 1992 and 2001. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with clinical, laboratorial and sonography findings of appendiceal mass were evaluated and underwent conservative management based on therapy with intravenous antibiotics and close observation of appendiceal mass reduction. RESULTS: The conservative management was successful in 33 patients (93%). Three patients failed to respond and underwent appendectomy. Elective appendectomy was performed after 11.5 weeks, with a complication rate of 12%. Histopathologic analysis showed persistent acute appendicitis in seven patients (21%). CONCLUIONS: Conservative management of appendiceal mass followed by interval appendectomy seems to be safe and effective.
Appendix; Appendicitis Acute disease; Appendectomy
