The experiences of interval appendectomy for inflammatory appendiceal mass

Background: Interval appendectomy (IA) is a common treatment of acute appendicitis (AA) with inflammatory appendiceal mass (IAM). However, the management of patients with IAM is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes in patients with this condition. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 244 patients with AA for their clinical characteristics and outcomes. Results: Forty-three patients had IAM at the first medical examination. The mean age was significantly younger and the C-reactive protein level significantly higher (12.6 vs 3.1 mg/dL) in patients with IAM. Thirty-four patients received IA, and nine received emergency appendectomy (EA). In the IA group, the diameter of the abscess was larger than in the EA group (31.4 vs 16.1 mm). The total length of hospitalization was longer in the IA group than the EA group (20.6 vs 7.0 days), although the operative time was longer in the EA group because of adhesion (101.1 vs 192.1 min). Furthermore, most IA patients received a reduced-port appendectomy (74% vs 11%). Recurrence occurred in approximately 15% of patients awaiting IA. There were no complications in either group. Conclusions: Although each treatment approach has its advantages and disadvantages, both IA and EA can be the first option for the treatment of AA with IAM.