Navigating Pediatric Appendicitis Treatment Choices

This chapter examines the challenges of loss to follow-up in studies comparing appendectomy and antibiotic treatment for pediatric appendicitis, highlighting biases that can affect results. It emphasizes the importance of patient perspectives, shared decision-making, and the evolving practices in treatment approaches, especially considering the emotional aspects involved in treatment choices. The discussion also critiques the established 20% threshold for non-surgical management, urging for more personalized approaches based on individual patient circumstances.