Intravenous versus intravenous/oral antibiotics for perforated appendicitis in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 580 pediatric patients demonstrates that transitioning from intravenous to oral antibiotics after perforated appendicitis is noninferior to continued IV therapy alone. Sequential IV/PO treatment showed comparable rates of postoperative abscess, wound infection, and readmission while potentially reducing complications and costs associated with prolonged IV access.