Complicated appendicitis in Children in Aba, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies globally. Etiologyremains poorly understood with few advances over the past decades. Obtaining a confident pre-operativediagnosis remains a challenge, as appendicitis must be entertained in any patient presenting with an acuteabdomen. A clinical classification is used to stratify management based on simple (non-perforated) andcomplex (gangrenous or perforated) inflammation, although many patients remain with an equivocaldiagnosis, which remains one of the most challenging dilemmas. The aim of the study is to evaluate themanagement and outcome of complicated appendicitis at the Abia State University Teaching HospitalAba Nigeria. Methodology: A prospective analysis of all children treated for appendicitis at the AbiaState University Teaching Hospital Aba between 2016 and December 2018. Proforma was opened fordemographic data, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, complication and outcome. Results: A totalof 100 children aged between 2 and 15 (mean 8.7 ± 2.8) years, comprising 60males and 40 females withmale/female ratio 3:2 had appendectomy which accounted for 8% of total pediatric operations and 40% ofpediatric abdominal operations. Only 40 (40%) children presented during the first episode of symptomsand in clinically stable state while 60 (60%) were referred after wrong diagnosis and treatment by generalpractitioners which resulted in different complications ranging from appendix abscess 10 (10%), appendixmass 15 (15%), perforated appendix 30 (30%), gangrenous appendix 5 (5%) . These influenced postoperative outcome with wound infection recorded in 20 (20%), wound break down 10 (10%), septicemia15 (15%), pelvic abscess 5 (5%) and death 1 (1%). These were not recorded among those who presentedearly who also had significantly lower duration of hospitalization and cost of treatment. Conclusion: Latereferral due to paucity of knowledge, long referral chain and low index of suspicion was rampant whichsignificantly increased associated morbidities and mortality among children managed with appendicitisKeywords: Appendicitis, children, complicated