[Acute appendicitis - to cut or not to cut?]

Acute appendicitis has traditionally been seen as a progressive disease that necessitates surgery to prevent complications like perforation. However, recent studies emphasize the importance of distinguishing between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, rather than treating all cases the same. This evolving understanding has led to a paradigm shift in how uncomplicated appendicitis is diagnosed and treated, with options like antibiotic therapy being considered alternatives to immediate surgery. This shift challenges the long-held belief that surgery is always required, and instead encourages more personalized treatment approaches and shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.