ABSTRACT

• Use of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for perforated appendicitis (PA) in children remains controversial because of the development of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess formation. We developed the irrigation method for the prevention of abscess formation after LA performed for PA in children with severe panperitonitis. We called it ‘the shaking irrigation’. The object of this study was to analyze the efficacy of this irrigation method. All cases of PA with severe panperitonitis in children that underwent LA with massive shaking irrigation and drainage between June 2003 and December 2007 were studied retrospectively. We included only PA with panperitonitis and large amounts of purulent ascites throughout the abdomen as well as an inflamed small bowel with ileus. Thirty-four children were involved in this study. The mean patient age was eight years. The mean amount of irrigation fluid was 8.2L (range: 4-15L). The mean operative time was 89.5 min. The mean length of the hospital stay was 5.1 days. There were no postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. There was no conversion to open surgery. In conclusion, Use of LA in PA with severe panperitonitis in children is safe and effective. Massive shaking irrigation and abdominal drainage appears to prevent intra-abdominal abscesses after LA for PA with panperitonitis.
• Keywords: Perforation; Panperitonitis; Abscess; Laparoscopic