Several studies have recommended non-operative management over surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis . To validate this approach, a study has compared the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment with appendicectomy in 936 children aged 5–16 years diagnosed with non-perforated appendicitis . At the 12-month follow-up, the study found higher treatment failure rates among patients receiving antibiotics (34%) than those undergoing appendicectomy (7%).
While no serious adverse events or deaths were reported in either group, antibiotic treatment was linked to a greater risk of mild-to-moderate adverse events (relative risk – 4.3) compared to the surgical group. The study suggests that although antibiotic treatment is less effective than surgery for managing non-perforated appendicitis, it remains a viable option in select cases with appropriate medical consultation. Did you find this article…
