From a patient's perspective, are antibiotics "just as good as" surgery for appendicitis?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

Large, high quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the safety of antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated (without rupture or localized peritonitis) appendicitis, yet this approach has not been adopted in North American practice.[1] [2] With the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment options without hospitalization are being more widely considered.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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