A clinical study on conservative management of acute appendicitis in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common clinical entity which is treated surgically by appendectomy. In recent years acute uncomplicated appendicitis can also be managed non surgically with antibiotic therapy. Aim and Objective was to assess the outcome of conservative treatment in the management of acute appendicitis.Methods: All patients who were diagnosed as acute appendicitis radiologically were enrolled into the study considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Modified Alvarado score (MAS) was calculated based on clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory investigations. Injection ceftriaxone and injection metronidazole was given for 48-72 hours. Patients who responded for i.v. antibiotics were switched to tablet ciprofloxacin and tablet metronidazole for 7 days and followed for 6 months. Patients who didn’t respond to conservative treatment or had recurrence were classified as treatment failure/recurrence.Results: Totally 100 patients were enrolled in the study, 43 males and 57 females with a ratio of 1:1.32. Majority were in age group of 21-30. Ultrasound was performed in 91 patients, CT scan in 9 patients. 28 patients had MAS between 4-6 and 72 had between 7-9. 82 patients were successfully managed conservatively. 12 patients had failure of conservative treatment and 6 patients had recurrence.Conclusions: Success rate of conservative treatment in patients with MAS 4-6 was more than those with MAS 7-9 in this study. Complicated acute appendicitis should be managed surgically and uncomplicated acute appendicitis can be managed by conservative treatment provided they are strictly followed every month for 6 months to detect recurrences.