Clinicians debate the merits of interval appendectomy for patients who recover from antibiotic treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Offering this surgery to avoid future appendicitis risks extra costs, disability, and potential complications, even though many patients may never need surgery. Major clinical trials show high rates of negative pathology among interval appendectomies, suggesting surgery is often unnecessary. Despite antibiotic treatment’s success, many patients have a low risk of recurrence and need to be informed about risks and benefits for shared decision-making.
Journal Article by Talan DA and Minneci PC in JAMA Surg