The Role of Interval Appendectomy in the Treatment of Complicated Appendicitis: A Review of Current Perspectives
Kumar H.R. *
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Taylor’s University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
An interval appendectomy is performed after completing non-operative treatment of complicated appendicitis to prevent recurrence. However, the indication for interval appendectomy following the management of an appendicular mass remains a subject of debate. There is currently no consensus regarding the necessity of interval appendectomy. Typically, the decision is made by the attending surgeon, with a prevailing trend towards omitting interval appendectomy in favour of monitoring patients through computed tomography and colonoscopy. The advent of advanced diagnostic tools has led to a reevaluation of the necessity of interval appendectomy. This review aims to examine the role and significance of interval appendectomy in the management of appendicular mass. A literature review was conducted by using secondary sources from 1990 to 2023. Keywords such as “interval appendectomy”, “appendicular mass”, “delayed appendectomy” and “appendicular phlegmon” were used. Based on all the available evidence that has been reviewed, interval appendectomy can be safely omitted after successful conservative treatment for an appendicular mass. Nonetheless, further randomised prospective studies are needed to assess the role of interval appendectomy in the management of appendicular mass.
Keywords: Interval appendectomy, delayed appendectomy, appendicular mass, complicated appendicitis, conservative treatment, non-operative treatment