Does acute appendicitis require surgery?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, whether surgery is needed for acute appendicitis depends on the specific condition. Surgical treatment is recommended for the vast majority of cases of acute appendicitis, while only a small number of patients with mild symptoms and localized inflammation may undergo conservative (non-surgical) management under a doctor's guidance. In daily care, once acute appendicitis is diagnosed, rest should be observed regardless of whether surgery is performed.

In general, whether surgery is needed for acute appendicitis depends on the specific condition. Most cases of acute appendicitis are recommended for surgical treatment, while only a small number of patients with mild symptoms and localized inflammation may undergo conservative (non-surgical) management under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If typical symptoms of acute appendicitis are present—such as migratory right lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting—and examinations show appendix swelling or signs of pus formation, prompt surgical intervention is necessary. Surgery completely removes the diseased appendix, preventing the spread of infection that could lead to serious complications like perforation or peritonitis, thereby reducing treatment complexity and recovery time.

For a minority of patients with mild acute appendicitis who do not exhibit worsening abdominal pain and whose tests indicate minimal inflammation without signs of pus, conservative treatment may be temporarily considered. This involves intravenous antibiotics to control the infection, along with close monitoring of symptom progression. If symptoms worsen during treatment, surgery will still be required.

In daily care, once acute appendicitis is diagnosed, regardless of whether surgery is performed, patients should rest adequately and avoid strenuous activity. Diet should be light and easily digestible to prevent additional strain on the gastrointestinal system.

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Is moxibustion effective for appendicitis?

In general, the effectiveness of moxibustion for appendicitis depends on the specific situation. Moxibustion is ineffective during acute appendicitis attacks and may delay proper treatment; prompt medical attention is required. During the remission phase of chronic appendicitis, moxibustion may help alleviate mild abdominal discomfort as an adjunct therapy, but it cannot achieve a complete cure. In daily care, regardless of whether the condition is acute or chronic appendicitis, a light diet should be maintained and overeating should be avoided.

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How is acute peritonitis treated?

Acute peritonitis may be caused by abdominal trauma, unhygienic diet, perforation of acute appendicitis, perforated peptic ulcer (gastric or duodenal), perforated acute cholecystitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgical intervention, and other methods. During treatment, vital signs should be closely monitored, and the indoor environment should be kept quiet and clean.

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What are the advantages of ERAT in treating acute appendicitis?

Advantages of ERAT in treating acute appendicitis generally include minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, preservation of the appendix's physiological function, avoidance of surgical incision infections, relatively simple and quick procedure, and broad applicability. ERAT is performed via endoscopy without abdominal incisions, using only natural orifices for treatment, thus causing minimal damage to abdominal wall tissues and resulting in mild postoperative pain.