Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy – A Review of an Innovative Appendix Preserving Treatment Modality

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most frequent surgical emergencies and typically results from obstructionof the appendiceal orifice. Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is the gold standard treatment for appendicitis.However, recent research has demonstrated the importance of the vermiform appendix in maintaining gutflora and immunological function, and it is no longer considered vestigial. Consequently, there is a growingneed to develop appendix-preserving treatment modalities for AA. Antibiotic therapy was the first attemptin this direction, and endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) represents a recent advancement.The objective of this article is to provide an overview of this novel treatment modality and raise awarenessamong healthcare professionals. A search of PubMed Gateway, Google Scholar search engine, Web of Scienceplatform, and ResearchGate social networking site was conducted to obtain relevant scientific articles publishedin English. Since its introduction in China in 2012, several case series have confirmed the use of ERAT in bothuncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. ERAT is a promising treatment option for AA that preserves theappendix; however, it has potential limitations and complications, just like other therapeutic approaches.