Incidence and outcomes of unexpected pathology findings after appendectomy.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2014
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2014.01.005
Abstract
Purpose: Pathologic evaluation of the appendix after appendectomy is routine and can identify unexpected findings. We evaluated our experience in children undergoing appendectomy to review the clinical course of patients with unexpected appendiceal pathology.
Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent appendectomy from January 1, 1995 to March 1, 2011. Patient demographics, diagnosis, pathological findings, disease outcomes, and treatment were collected only on patients with abnormal pathology.
Results: 3602 patients underwent appendectomy. 113 patients had normal appendices, and 86 patients had unexpected findings, including carcinoid tumor (n=9), pinworm (n=34), granuloma (n=14), eosinophilic infiltrates (n=18), and other (n=11). All cases of carcinoid tumor were completely resected, with no recurrence or need for reoperation. Of the 34 patients with pinworm infestation, 41.2% underwent antimicrobial therapy, and none had post-operative symptoms. One patient (7%) with an appendiceal granuloma developed Crohn's disease. Three patients (16.7%) with eosinophilia developed symptomatic intestinal eosinophilia.
Conclusions: Pediatric appendiceal carcinoid is an incidental finding; in this series, none required further intervention. Appendiceal granulomas are not commonly associated with developing Crohn's disease in the short term. Routine antibiotics for the treatment of pinworms are adequate. Patients with appendiceal eosinophilia may develop symptomatic intestinal eosinophilia.
Journal Title
Journal of pediatric surgery
Volume
49
Issue
9
First Page
1390
Last Page
1393
MeSH Keywords
Appendectomy; Appendiceal Neoplasms; Appendicitis; Carcinoid Tumor; Cecal Diseases; Child; Enterobiasis; Eosinophilia; Female; Granuloma; Humans; Incidental Findings; Intestinal Neoplasms; Male; Retrospective Studies
Keywords
Appendectomy; Outcomes; Pathology; Treatment
Recommended Citation
Alemayehu, H., Snyder, C. L., St Peter, S. D., Ostlie, D. J. Incidence and outcomes of unexpected pathology findings after appendectomy. Journal of pediatric surgery 49, 1390-1393 (2014).
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