Nonoperative Management of Periappendiceal Abscess in Children: A Comparison of Antibiotics Alone Versus Antibiotics Plus Percutaneous Drainage

Retrospective 10-year study comparing antibiotics alone versus antibiotics plus percutaneous drainage for pediatric periappendiceal abscess found that while antibiotics-only succeeded in 71% of cases, delayed drainage significantly increased hospital stay (13 vs 6 days). Early reimaging at 6 days is recommended to identify patients requiring drainage intervention.