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Semin intervent Radiol 2012; 29(03): 231-236
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326934
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Management of Complicated Appendicitis in the Pediatric Population: When Surgery Doesn't Cut It

Parag Amin
1   University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
,
Danny Cheng
1   University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The management of complicated appendicitis in children has evolved significantly over the last century. What initially was a surgeon's dilemma is becoming the interventional radiologist's task because image-guided percutaneous drainage of abscesses from a ruptured appendix obviates the need for urgent surgery and allows for selective interval appendectomy at the surgeon's discretion (versus conservative nonoperative management in selected cases). This paradigm shift places the onus on the interventional radiologist to recognize when the procedure is emergently indicated and to be cognizant of the special needs of a pediatric patient.

Keywords

abscess drainage - pediatric - appendicitis - appendiceal abscess
 

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