Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of immediate appendectomy in patients presenting with appendicular mass.
Methods: Forty-seven patients with appendicular mass were operated within 24 hours after admission to Vakif Gureba Training and Research Hospital, General Surgery Department, from January 2004 to April 2010. The appendiceal mass was diagnosed with physical examination, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography, or during surgical exploration. Age and sex, duration of symptoms, physical examination findings at admission, operation details, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed for each patient.
Results: There were 25 males (53.2%) and 22 females (46.8%), with a mean age of 37.23±15.60 (range: 14-75) years. The mean time from the onset of the symptoms to operation was 4.06±2.50 (range: 1-15) days. A simple appendectomy was performed in 38 (80.9%) patients. Twenty-nine (61.8%) patients were discharged and followed up without any complication after surgery. Wound infection was detected in 13 (27.7%) patients.
Conclusion: Immediate appendectomy in appendicular mass is a safe and effective alternative to conservative management.