Surgery today
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In this study we aimed to show that performing interval appendectomy is unnecessary in the management of appendiceal mass in children. Between 1990 and 1996, 866 patients were treated for appendicitis. Abdominal ultrasonography (USG) was performed in patients who were admitted with abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever accompanying a mass in the right lower quadrant. ⋯ USG demonstrated disappearance of the mass and barium enema showed a normal appendix in 10 of the 11 patients. No recurrent appendicitis was detected during follow-up for 1-7 years. This study shows that appendiceal masses that are perforated, but localized with no fluid content revealed by USG, can be treated conservatively even if they are detected late.