Comparing Antibiotics and Surgery to Treat Appendicitis in Children

Background: Although curative, appendectomy is a major intra-abdominal operation with
associated perioperative risks, pain, and disability. A nonoperative management strategy with
antibiotics alone has the potential to treat the disease effectively with less negative impact on
the child and the family.
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of nonoperative management by characterizing its
success rate and comparing treatment-related disability, health-related quality of life (HRQOL),
health care satisfaction, and treatment-associated complications of nonoperative management
vs surgery in children with uncomplicated appendicitis.