When the appendix becomes infected and inflamed, it is called appendicitis. Sometimes, if the
infection and inflammation get worse, the appendix can die or burst, leading to a larger
infection or even pus pockets around the appendix. This is called complicated, or perforated,
appendicitis. Three common treatments for complicated appendicitis are
- appendectomy (removal of the appendix) right away
- appendectomy several weeks after the diagnosis
- treating the appendicitis without performing an appendectomy
This study seeks to determine which of these three approaches is most cost-effective in
children with complicated appendicitis.