Using postoperative antibiotics for uncomplicated appendicitis is unnecessary and may increase risks.

• Preoperative antibiotics lead to shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.
• Postoperative antibiotics raise the risk of Clostridium difficile infections and surgical site infections.
• Patients given only preoperative antibiotics had better outcomes than those receiving postoperative doses.

Surgeons should revise protocols to limit antibiotic use to preoperative phases, enhancing safety and reducing costs.