Can appendicitis be treated without surgery?

  Appendicitis is the most common pediatric emergency abdominal disease. Traditional appendectomy involves an incision in the lower right abdomen of the child, which leaves a significant surgical scar and a lifetime of effects on the child’s mental health and future career development. With the advancement of medical technology, laparoscopic appendectomy has been widely carried out at home and abroad, called “minimally invasive surgery” or “keyhole” surgery, which means that traditional abdominal incisions are no longer necessary and only three small holes about the size of a chopstick head (5 mm) need to be made in the belly to complete the appendectomy. The appendectomy can be completed with three small holes in the belly about the size of a chopstick head (5 mm).  Even then, there will still be a slight surgical mark on the abdomen. At present, we have developed single-hole laparoscopic appendectomy according to the small size of pediatric appendix, which is commonly called “incisionless” appendectomy. The operation is simple, safe, minimally invasive, and takes less time than open appendectomy, with less pain for the child and faster wound recovery. Since the operation is performed through the “navel”, the abdominal wall is scarless and no traces of the operation can be seen, which does not affect the beauty of the patient’s abdomen and leaves no unsightly scars. More importantly, it is beneficial to the child’s psychological health and quality of life.