The Time Course of Perforation and Abscess Formation in Appendicitis

There was a clear correlation between the duration of symptoms and the incidence of perforated appendicitis. However, there was not a sharp increase in perforation and abscess formation until after 24 and 48 h of symptoms, respectively. Our study indicates that delayed appendectomy needs more careful evaluation after this time window has elapsed, focusing exclusively on the time since hospitalization would be insufficient.