EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF APPENDECTOMY VERSUS ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT IN UNCOMPLICATED ACUTE APPENDICITIS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159542514016

• Palavras-chave: Appendectomy; Conservative treatment; Uncomplicated acute appendicitis; Efficacy and safety.

• Keywords: Appendectomy; Conservative treatment; Uncomplicated acute appendicitis; Efficacy and safety.

• Abstract:

  Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of appendectomy and conservative treatment with antibiotics in the management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Methodology: Bibliographic review through PubMed with the final screening of 17 articles to make up the collection of this study. Discussion: Appendectomy, considered the gold standard, is more than 98% effective and has almost zero risk of recurrence. Conservative treatment with antibiotics shows initial efficacy of 70% to 80%, with fewer immediate complications and reduced costs, but has a high recurrence rate, reaching up to 39% in 5 years, as well as the need for additional interventions. Laparoscopic appendectomy is preferred due to faster recovery and fewer complications, while conservative treatment is a viable option for selected patients, provided there is adequate monitoring. Final considerations: The choice between approaches should be individualized, taking into account the patient's preferences, clinical profile and available resources. Future studies should focus on clear selection criteria, strategies to reduce recurrence and impacts on quality of life, with a view to optimizing clinical outcomes.