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Surgery May Still Be the Safer Option for Children with Appendicitis

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Surgery or no surgery for pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis A systematic review and meta-analysis to inform management.DOI 10.1016j.surg.2025.109728

When a child has appendicitis, many parents ask the same question: “Does my child really need surgery?” Some studies have suggested that medicine alone can treat mild cases. But this new research shows that skipping surgery might not be the best long-term choice.

Doctors reviewed data from 48 studies involving children with simple (uncomplicated) appendicitis. These are cases without a burst appendix or infection. The results showed that if a child doesn’t have surgery, the problem often comes back. About 1 in 5 children needed surgery within the first year. After one year, more than half had problems again.

Children who avoided surgery were also more likely to return to the emergency room and get readmitted to the hospital. This means more stress for the child and family.

Surgery for appendicitis is usually quick and safe. It removes the appendix and prevents future problems. While it can be scary to think about surgery, this study shows it may lead to fewer visits to the hospital and fewer worries down the road.

Parents should talk to their child’s doctor and ask about both short- and long-term risks. Every case is different, but having all the facts makes decisions easier.

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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in India
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