The efficacy of antibiotic treatment versus surgical treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of antibiotics in appendicitis remains controversial, and physicians are not confident in prescribing antibiotics as the first line treatment. This network meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of individual antibiotics in uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases since inception to July 2017. STUDIES: Network meta-analysis was applied to estimate treatment effects and safety. Probability of being the best treatment was estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). RESULTS: Among 9 RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria. A network meta-analysis indicated that those receiving antibiotics had about 12-32% lower chance of treatment success and lower risk of complication about 23-86%, especially Beta-lactamase than appendectomy. The overall appendicitis recurrence rate in the antibiotic group was about 18.2%. The SUCRA indicated that appendectomy was ranked first for treatment success and least complications, followed by Beta-lactamase. CONCLUSIONS: Appendectomy is still the most effective treatment in uncomplicated appendicitis but it carries complications. Beta-lactamase, might be an alternative treatment if there are any contraindications for operation.