Surgery beneficial for Appendicitis

While many scientists believe that it is possible to cure appendicitis using only antibiotics, current research suggests that surgery is the best approach. There are two types of appendicitis including uncomplicated, and complicated, but with the technology that is currently available it is not possible to tell the difference between the two types.

In a recent study, doctors followed the progress of patients who were diagnosed with uncomplicated appendicitis. Some patients had appendix surgery and others were treated with only antibiotics. Those treated with antibiotics alone were four times more likely to develop peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is a dangerous condition that can be fatal. Among the patients that did have surgery for their appendix, 18 were found to actually suffer from complicated appendicitis. In addition, many of the patients treated with only antibiotics had to have appendectomies later on.

Appendicitis is currently diagnosed using CAT scans. As more advanced imagery equipment is created, doctors will be able to detect perforations in the appendix more easily. In the future, it will be possible to treat patients with uncomplicated appendicitis with antibiotics, and only resort to surgery if that is ineffective. Surgery can come with complications such as scarring, bowel obstructions and secondary infections, so, if it becomes possible to avoid surgery that will benefit patients.

Symptoms of appendicitis include pain on the right side of the abdomen; fever; constipation, nausea and lack of appetite. If you are experiencing these symptoms and they do not improve, call your doctor or go to a Pembroke Pines area hospital for treatment.