APPENDICITIS

In uncomplicated appendicitis we use only antibiotics initially, a portion of those will require surgery but for the majority antibiotics is the only treatment required.Appendicitis Treatment with Antibiotics by Dr. Marks on MedicineNet.com

I suddenly feel quite dumb, but in 6.5yrs I don't think I've had an appedicitis pt that DIDN'T get surgery. I didn't realize it was ever soley treated with antibiotics.

I suddenly feel quite dumb, but in 6.5yrs I don't think I've had an appedicitis pt that DIDN'T get surgery. I didn't realize it was ever soley treated with antibiotics.

Do you work at a teaching hospital by any chance?

Do you work at a teaching hospital by any chance?

I used to and I get where your going with that, but now I'm at a small community ED that definitely diesnt have surgeons on staff 24/7 and I still see my appy pts go for surgery.

I always scratch my head when 'providers' come here to inquire how nurses treat diagnosis.. No offense

Thanks for the information.

I agree that going straight to vanco seems like overkill. For colon issues (appy, diverticulitis, etc.) it is almost always Cipro and Flagyl for us. Most get a surgical consult, but few go right from the ER to the OR. Getting a CT on every possible appy is a bit of a pet peeve for some general surgeons.

I suddenly feel quite dumb, but in 6.5yrs I don't think I've had an appedicitis pt that DIDN'T get surgery. I didn't realize it was ever soley treated with antibiotics.

In home care, I see appy patients coming home (no surgery) to complete a 7-10 day course of IV Zosyn q 8hr. This seems like the standard of care nowadays, at least with the pediatric hospital that is my primary referral source.

In home care, I see appy patients coming home (no surgery) to complete a 7-10 day course of IV Zosyn q 8hr. This seems like the standard of care nowadays, at least with the pediatric hospital that is my primary referral source.

Well I guess I learned something new. How do they determine who needs surgery vs those just needing antibiotics?

Well I guess I learned something new. How do they determine who needs surgery vs those just needing antibiotics?

I recall reading about this a couple of years ago, where the move was more toward letting it play out a bit first- that many cases would resolve on their own without complications. More of a watchful waiting than just immediate surgical intervention. At my small community hospital, they still do surgery on every appy. I was just thinking about this topic the other day, in fact!

Well I guess I learned something new. How do they determine who needs surgery vs those just needing antibiotics?

Honestly I'm not sure about that, I just see the kids when they come home to complete their IV Zosyn course.

This is what we use too. It seems like 2mg of Morphine is under medicating to me too. The normal dosing is 0.1-0.15mg/kg so for most folks that is at least 6mg. A hot appendix HURTS!!

m

This is what we use too. It seems like 2mg of Morphine is under medicating to me too. The normal dosing is 0.1-0.15mg/kg so for most folks that is at least 6mg. A hot appendix HURTS!!

m

I used to give 2 mg of morphine q 2hrs to kids who weighed 20 kg so, I agree, for an adult that's nothing.