ABSTRACT

Aim: To compare the outcomes of early exploration versus conservative appendectomy in patients presented with appendicular mass.

Study design: Randomized controlled trail.

Place & duration of study: Dept of Surgery, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sargodha from 01-08-2019 to 31-7-2020

Methodology: One hundred and eighty patients of both genders with ages 15 to 60 years presented with appendicular mass were enrolled. After taking written consent detailed demographics including age, sex, BMI, sign and symptoms and complete blood count were recorded. All the patients were equally divided in to two groups. Group I contains 90 patients and treated with early exploration, group II with 90 patients and treated with conventional appendectomy. Outcomes were compared between both groups.

Results: No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between both groups regarding age, sex and body mass index. Mean operative time was significantly shorter 65.26±14.58 minute in group I as compared to group II 86.44±20.36 minutes (p-value <0.001). Complications were more in group II, 18(20%) as compared to Group I 13(14.44%). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in group I 2.58±1.24 days as compared to group II 5.72±2.66 days (P<0.001). Patient’s satisfaction was more in group I as compared to group II patients.

Conclusion: Early exploration is safe and effective as compared to interval appendectomy in patients with appendicular mass.

Keywords: Appendicular mass; early exploration, interval appendectomy, wound infection,