Objective: To present our results of non-surgical primary management of appendiceal abscesses using ultrasonic percutaneous drainage under local anaesthesia, and selective interval appendicectomy.
Design: Retrospective study.
Setting: University hospital, Sweden.
Subjects: 24 patients with appendiceal abscesses 3-12 cm in size.
Interventions: Primary ultrasonic percutaneous drainage under local anaesthesia, antibiotic treatment, and selective surgical treatment.
Main outcome measures: Long-term follow-up.
Results: All patients had their abscesses drained successfully without complications. One patient continued to have fever, but eventually responded to conservative treatment and in one the bowel was perforated by the drain but again this was treated conservatively. Four abscesses recurred. Seven patients underwent planned interval appendicectomy. Another three patients were also operated on-one for caecal adenocarcinoma, and two for persisting symptoms and enterocutaneous fistulas.
Conclusions: Appendiceal abscesses can be effectively drained percutaneously using ultrasound-guided drainage under local anaesthesia, without complications. Recurrent appendicitis is common, and malignancy is a substantial risk in elderly patients. Modern laparoscopic appendicectomy and early postoperative discharge makes interval appendicectomy a valid treatment option after primary non-surgical management of appendiceal abscesses.