Antibiotics for acute appendicitis: a reasonable alternative

Abstract

Medical (conservative) treatment of acute appendicitis is an area that has not been adequately resolved, with evidence for and against this therapeutic regimen. The difficulty of clinical / bedside visualization of the state of an inflamed appendix has been somewhat resolved through the use of modern imaging modalities; however, surgeons feel happier if they can actually see the organ and decide for themselves. From the patient’s point of view, an inexpensive, non-invasive treatment is preferred, even though there are risks of incomplete resolution of the acute condition, recurrences, and/or the need for later surgery.