Efficacy of non-operative management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis: initial experience in a resource-limited setting.

Abstract

Although appendectomy remains the standard treatment for acute appendicitis, non-operative management has gained interest as a safe and effective alternative. However, its implementation in resource-limited hospitals like ours is hindered by insufficient staffing, high bed occupancy, lack of digital records and limited specialist access. Despite these challenges, we present our centre's initial experience. Between July 2022 and December 2023, 24 children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis were treated non-surgically, with an equal gender distribution. The initial success rate was 100%, with only three cases (12.5%) of treatment failure during 12 months of follow-up.