We prospectively (2010-2013) evaluated a protocol of hospital discharge on oral antibiotics when oral intake is tolerated--regardless of fever in a consecutive series of 188 children between five and 18 years of age who underwent appendectomy for complicated (gangrenous or perforated)appendicitis. At discharge subjects began a 7-day course of oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and metronidazole.The results were compared with children treated for the same condition between 2006 and 2009 (historic controls).