The effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on lenght of stay and pain relief in pediatric appendectomy: a pilot non-randomized time-controlled clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Appendicitis is the most frequent non-traumatic surgical emergency in children. While laparoscopic surgery is standard, postoperative recovery often involves pain, delayed bowel function, and reduced mobility. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may improve recovery by addressing fascial restrictions and visceral dysfunction. This pilot study investigates OMT's effect on postoperative pain and hospital length of stay in pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy.

Methods

This non-randomized, time-controlled clinical trial was conducted at Meyer Pediatric Hospital (Florence, Italy) with 43 patients aged 5-17 undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Participants were divided by appendicitis type (complicated/uncomplicated) and treatment group (OMT vs. control).

SUBMITTER: Lo Piccolo R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12358424 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature