2 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The objective of this study is to scientifically evaluate two different operative strategies for perforated appendicitis with abscess. The hypothesis is that the increased difficulty of early operation is balanced by the immense patient investment with delayed operation.
Patients admitted at Marshall Health - Cabell Huntington Hospital with the diagnosis of acute perforated appendicitis or appendicular abscess larger than 3cm will be admitted and treated with percutaneous drainage and the IV antibiotics for 3 days. If the patient becomes afebrile and has a normal WBC, the patient will stay in the hospital for a single day with oral antibiotics and then will be discharged to continue oral antibiotics for seven more days. If the patient is febrile or has elevated WBC either after the 3 days of IV antibiotics or the single day of oral antibiotics, the patient will complete a course of IV antibiotics for a total of seven days. If still febrile, the patient will undergo further assessment. A follow up will be conducted \~10 days after discharge from the hospital to determine if the patient is still symptomatic or asymptomatic. Asymptomatic patients will be followed up every month for 3 months, while symptomatic patients will be treated as needed. After 12 weeks, subjects will be randomized to interval appendectomy vs observation. Follow-ups will occur every 3 months for 12 months, when the study will be concluded.