Conservative antibiotic treatment of pediatric acute uncomplicated appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective comparative cohort study

This prospective study compared antibiotic treatment versus laparoscopic appendectomy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis in 139 children during COVID-19. While 24% experienced recurrence within 16 months, antibiotic therapy proved safe and significantly more cost-effective ($3589 vs $6209 per patient) with comparable complication rates.