Researchers in Finland published a study claiming antibiotics can effectively treat appendicitis without the need for surgery, according to the New York Times.
The study included 530 patients aged 18 to 60 who agreed to have their treatment, either antibiotics or surgery, chosen at random.
Here are six things to know:
1. Approximately 30,000 Americans suffer from appendicitis each year with one out of 10 adults experiencing appendicitis at some point in their lives.
2. None of the patients who underwent surgery after taking antibiotics were found to be worse off for waiting for treatment.
3. Three out of four of the patients taking antibiotics readily recovered.
4. Philip Barie, MD, surgeon at Weill Cornell Medical College, stated antibiotics were not enough for more than a quarter of the patients in the study.
5. The results of the study are only applicable for those patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, with 20 percent of patients with complicated cases being excluded from the study.
6. Many healthcare professionals disagree on the best course of treatment for appendicitis — whether that is removal of the appendix, antibiotics or doing nothing.
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