JAMA Gastroenterology January 2026:Antibiotic Therapy for Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: Ten-Year Follow-Up of the APPAC Randomized Clinical Trial

This long-term clinical study evaluates whether treating uncomplicated appendicitis with medication is a viable alternative to traditional surgery over a ten-year period. By tracking hundreds of patients, researchers found that while nearly 40% of those who took antibiotics eventually experienced a recurrence, the majority avoided surgery entirely without sacrificing their overall quality of life. Notably, the group treated with antibiotics suffered significantly fewer medical complications than those who underwent an appendectomy. These findings suggest that for many adults, a non-surgical approach is a safe and effective primary option for managing this common condition.