Study explores use of antibiotics as alternative to pediatric appendectomy

Editor's Note

The first large-scale, randomized pediatric trial of its kind reveals the potential of treating acute, non-perforated appendicitis in children with antibiotics instead of surgery, Medical Xpress reported January 20.

Published in The Lancet, the APPY study involved collaboration among 11 children’s hospitals worldwide to compare the effectiveness of the two approaches. Findings showed antibiotic treatment carries a higher risk of failure and recurrence. However, antibiotics could be a viable option in specific cases after consultation with children and their parents, and children treated with antibiotics were able to resume their normal lives more quickly. Some could avoid the need for hospitalization. Ongoing studies are reportedly also investigating pain management, as well as quality of life and patient satisfaction among APPY study participants.