Appendectomy versus observation for appendicitis in neutropenic children with cancer Journal Article


Authors: Many, B. T.; Lautz, T. B.; Dobrozsi, S.; Wilkinson, K. H.; Rossoff, J.; Le-Nguyen, A.; Dakhallah, N.; Piche, N.; Weinschenk, W.; Cooke-Barker, J.; Goodhue, C.; Zamora, A.; Kim, E. S.; Talbot, L. J.; Quevedo, O. G.; Murphy, A. J.; Commander, S. J.; Tracy, E. T.; Short, S. S.; Meyers, R. L.; Rinehardt, H. N.; Aldrink, J. H.; Heaton, T. E.; Ortiz, M. V.; Baertschiger, R.; Wong, K. E.; Lapidus-Krol, E.; Butter, A.; Davidson, J.; Stark, R.; Ramaraj, A.; Malek, M.; Mastropolo, R.; Morgan, K.; Murphy, J. T.; Janek, K.; Le, H. D.; Dasgupta, R.; Lal, D. R.; on behalf of the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative
Article Title: Appendectomy versus observation for appendicitis in neutropenic children with cancer
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Optimal management of neutropenic appendicitis (NA) in children undergoing cancer therapy remains undefined. Management strategies include upfront appendectomy or initial nonoperative management. We aimed to characterize the effect of management strategy on complications and length of stay (LOS) and describe implications for chemotherapy delay or alteration. METHODS: Sites from the Pediatric Surgery Oncology Research Collaborative performed a retrospective review of children with NA over a 6-year period. RESULTS: Sixty-six children, with a median age of 11 years (range 1-17), were identified with NA while undergoing cancer treatment. The most common cancer diagnoses were leukemia (62%) and brain tumor (12%). Upfront appendectomy was performed in 41% of patients; the remainder had initial nonoperative management. Rates of abscess or perforation at diagnosis were equivalent in the groups (30% vs 24%; P =.23). Of patients who had initial nonoperative management, 46% (17 of 37) underwent delayed appendectomy during the same hospitalization. Delayed appendectomy was due to failure of initial nonoperative management in 65% (n = 11) and count recovery in 35% (n = 6). Cancer therapy was delayed in 35% (n = 23). Initial nonoperative management was associated with a delay in cancer treatment (46% vs. 22%, P =.05) and longer LOS (29 vs 12 days; P =.01). Patients who had initial nonoperative management and delayed appendectomy had a higher rate of postoperative complications (P,.01). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with NA from oncologic treatment, upfront appendectomy resulted in lower complication rates, reduced LOS, and fewer alterations in chemotherapy regimens compared to initial nonoperative management. Copyright © 2021 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Journal Title: Pediatrics
Volume: 147
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0031-4005
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics  
Date Published: 2021-02-01
Start Page: e2020027797
Language: English
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-027797
PUBMED: 33504609
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 April 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Todd Erin Heaton
    44 Heaton
  2. Michael Vincent Ortiz
    61 Ortiz