International journal of colorectal disease
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Jun 2019
Meta AnalysisAntibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Appendectomy has been the gold standard for every form of appendicitis. In recent years, though, it has repeatedly been claimed that for acute uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotic therapy can be an equivalent treatment. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine if antibiotic therapy is a safe and effective alternative to appendectomy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. ⋯ This meta-analysis shows that appendectomy is more effective than antibiotic therapy for definitive cure of acute uncomplicated appendicitis. However, since the incidence of complications does not differ between the two treatments, antibiotic therapy might be a reasonable alternative for selected patients.