Journal of pediatric surgery
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Does age affect the outcomes and management of pediatric appendicitis?
Although it is recognized that younger children have higher appendiceal perforation rates, little is known about the effect of age on postoperative morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether age affects the outcome and management of pediatric appendicitis. ⋯ Although older children had a higher risk of abscess drainage, younger children were more likely to have perforated appendicitis, be readmitted, and have longer LOH. Management of appendicitis differed according to age. Laparoscopic appendectomy was more frequently performed in older children, whereas the youngest children were more likely to be treated nonoperatively.