Antibiotics to Treat Appendicitis

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg suggest that antibiotics may replace invasive surgery for the treatment of acute appendicitis. The antibiotics are touted to be as effective as surgical operation for the removal of an organ.

[Read: Treatment Options for Appendicitis]

The researchers found that the patients treated with antibiotics are at lower risk of complications in comparison with those, who pursued surgery. Surgery is, however, necessary in  patients who are critically ill.

Jeanette Hansson, head of the research panel, stated that 80 per cent of the patients treated with antibiotics recover to full health and their risk of recurrence within 12 months after pursuing antibiotic therapy is only 10—15 per cent. He also pointed out that an increased resistance to antibiotics may affect appendicitis treatment.

[Read: Tips to Prevent Appendicitis]

Appendicitis is a condition wherein the appendix becomes inflamed, causing complications such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever. Removal of appendix is the standard approach for treating acute appendicitis.

The antibiotic treatment can be considered viable if a patient agrees to accept the risk of recurrence.

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