Conservative Management of Pediatric Patients With Appendicolith Appendicitis Versus Non-appendicolith Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

In brief

This systematic review examines whether the presence of appendicoliths affects outcomes in pediatric appendicitis patients treated conservatively (without immediate surgery). The study compares treatment success rates and complications between children with and without appendicoliths to guide clinical decision-making.

• Up to 33% of pediatric appendicitis cases show appendicoliths on imaging at presentation.
• Appendicolith presence may affect outcomes when managing pediatric appendicitis conservatively versus surgically.
• Current evidence is insufficient to definitively guide treatment decisions based on appendicolith presence alone.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.