Replacing surgery with antibiotic treatment may prove effective for children suffering from acute non-complicated appendicitis, according to a study published in Pediatrics.
United Kingdom-based researchers conducted a review that assessed existing literature published over the past 10 years. They reviewed 10 studies reporting on 413 children who received non-operative treatment in place of an appendectomy.
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The review shows that no study reported any safety concern or specific adverse events related to non-surgical treatment. However, the rate of recurrent appendicitis was 14 percent. The review also notes that longer term clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of antibiotics compared to an appendectomy requires further research.
The researchers are now carrying out a year-long feasibility trial, during which participating children with appendicitis will randomly be allocated to have either surgery or receive antibiotic treatment.