Image by Darko Djurin from Pixabay
Image by Darko Djurin from Pixabay

Which is better for appendicitis - antibiotics or surgical removal?

Embargoed until: Publicly released:
Is there a difference in the quality of life, and patient satisfaction for appendicitis patients who are treated with antibiotics, vs those who had their appendix removed surgically? An international team conducted a seven-year follow-up study of patients in Finland and found no difference between the quality of life or patient satisfaction between people who were treated with antibiotics, vs appendix removal. Unsurprisingly, the study did find that patients who were treated with antibiotics but later were required to have an appendectomy were less satisfied than those with successful treatments.

Journal/conference: JAMA Surgery

Link to research (DOI): 10.1001/jamasurg.2019.6028

Organisation/s: Turku University Hospital, Finland

Funder: This trial was supported by the Mary and Georg C. Ehrnrooth Foundation and a government research grant awarded to Turku University Hospital.

Media Release

From: JAMA

How Does Long-Term Quality of Life, Patient Satisfaction Compare For Appendicitis Treatments?

Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction at 7-Year Follow-up of Antibiotic Therapy vs Appendectomy for Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis

JAMA Surgery

Bottom Line: Researchers compared long-term quality of life and patient satisfaction among those patients who were treated with antibiotics or who had their appendix removed for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Evidence in recent years has indicated antibiotic treatment is a safe and efficient alternative to appendectomy. This study was a seven-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial in Finland of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy or who received antibiotics. The follow-up included 423 patients who completed questionnaires regarding quality of life and their level of satisfaction with the treatment received. Researchers found no difference between treatment groups in patient-rated quality of life or in satisfaction with the treatment if it was successful. Patients taking antibiotics who later had an appendectomy were less satisfied than patients with successful antibiotic or appendectomy treatments. Limitations of the study include use in the initial trial of an open surgical approach for appendectomy since laparoscopic appendectomy is the current standard associated with shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain.

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