The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Surgery versus conservative antibiotic treatment in acute appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Dig Surg 2011; 28: 210–221.

Published: 18th October 2011

Authors: Ansaloni L, Catena F, Coccolini F, Ercolani G, Gazzotti F, Pasqualini E et al. et al.

Conclusion

There were four trials for this review that included 741 patients. The rates of perforation, and further antibiotic treatment were similar. Complication rates were significantly higher after surgery (odds ratio 1.92, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.3 to 2.85), and the overall efficacy of surgery was also greater (6.01, 4.27 to 8.46).

Pubmed Link