Study: You Can Probably Avoid An Appendectomy With One Simple Treatment

Study: You Can Probably Avoid An Appendectomy With One Simple Treatment

Nobody in their right mind would want appendicitis, but a new study says there is a way to have a fighting chance of avoiding surgery for it.

Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine found 7 in 10 appendicitis patients treated with antibiotics ultimately avoid surgery.

Of 1,552 participants from 14 states, about 71% of those who took antibiotics did not have surgery within three months.

What's more, UPI reports participants in the antibiotic group missed about 3 1/2 fewer days of work.

With surgery, the appendix is fully removed.

But with antibiotics, appendicitis can return.

The researchers next want to study the frequency of reoccurrence.