Abstract

The incidence of perforated appendicitis resulting in subtantial morbidity has remained high in preschool children. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to the high perforation rate in this age group. A retrospective analysis was done on 68 patient, who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis betwen 1987-1991, the mean age was 4,8 (R: 14 mo-6 V). The perforation rate was 61,7 percent. Duration of pain was known to corralete with patient's age and perforation rate. Only 16 % of the patients had symptoms for less than 24 hours, none of them was perforated. On the other hand, children with symptoms longer than 48 hours had a perforation rate of 94 percent. Associated illnesses, including respiratory infection, otitis media and gastroenteritis are common in this disease and they often lead to a delayed diagnosis. In this age group, it is necessary to take a detailed history of disease and to perform a meticulous physical examination. The primary-care physician and pediatric surgeon have crucial roles in the early diagnosis of the disease and its course.