Children with uncomplicated appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics instead of surgery, a study from the Emma Children’s Abdominal Center at Amsterdam UMC shows.

More than 300 children aged 7–17 with early-stage, uncomplicated appendicitis participated in the yearlong study. Half received antibiotics; the other half underwent immediate surgery.

About 70 percent of the children who received antibiotics did not need surgery within a year. “Because complication rates were similar in both groups, antibiotics are a fully valid alternative to surgery,” the center writes in its press release. Children who received antibiotics experienced less pain and needed medication less often than those who had immediate surgery.

“The children on antibiotics did stay in the hospital a bit longer and returned more often for follow-up visits to the hospital or their primary care doctor,” says pediatric surgeon Ramon Gorter. “But after a year, their quality of life was as good as that of kids who had surgery right away.”

“This way, many children can avoid surgery, anesthesia, and the associated risks, and care can be better tailored to the child and the family,” researcher Said Bachiri said.

The researchers are now working to incorporate the results into the national guideline for the treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis in children. The study also indicated that antibiotic treatment is cheaper than surgery, thereby reducing overall costs.

“The most important aspect is shared decision-making: the doctor, child, and parents together determine what fits a child’s situation best,” the center stated.