Volume 30, Issue 176, October 2026 (Forthcoming Issue)

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Introduction: Appendectomy has traditionally been the standard treatment for acute appendicitis [AA]. However, new studies show the appendix is a necessary organ and an integral part of the body; together with advances in diagnostic imaging and pharmacological therapy, these findings encourage further exploration of nonsurgical treatments. Methods: A literature review was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed) database covering the years January 2016 - July 2026. The analysis included 10 studies, all of which included patients under 18. Results: The initial clinical efficacy of NOM (up to 30 days) is high, ranging from 90% to 97%. However, in long-term follow-up (≥1 year), efficacy drops to 56–82% due to recurrences. The main predictor of nonoperative management [NOM] failure is the presence of an appendicolith, which increases the risk of treatment failure more than tenfold and constitutes an absolute contraindication to this method. Factors that negatively affect the success of NOM also include severe baseline pain and relying only on ultrasound for diagnosis. Both strategies demonstrate equivalent, high clinical safety. From an economic perspective, the annual costs of both methods are equivalent because of recurrence-related hospitalizations. With successful NOM, patients have a higher quality of life (median PedsQL: 92.4 vs. 87.0) and return to full activity faster. Conclusions: NOM is a safe and sufficient treatment option for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

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REVIEW

An evaluation of the efficacy and safety of conservative versus surgical treatment of acute appendicitis in children: a review of clinical reports and discussion

Daniel Glinka, Cezary Jasiński, Barbara Durma, Szymon Siudak, Oliwia Dudek, Zuzanna Domagała, Martyna Olszyna, Maria Ryśkiewicz, Daria Kózka, Agata Choroś

Introduction: Appendectomy has traditionally been the standard treatment for acute appendicitis [AA]. However, new studies show the appendix is a necessary organ and an integral part of the body; together with advances in diagnostic imaging and pharmacological therapy, these findings encourage further exploration of nonsurgical treatments.

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e198ms3953

Abstract | PDF

The role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of obesity - a review of clinical studies

Joanna Małgorzata Chrabąszcz, Wojciech Piotr Grzywna, Konstancja Baltyzar, Maria Kurek, Oliwia Polit-Różycka, Krzysztof Gadzalski, Marta Zarzycka, Julia Lorek, Karol Perski, Angelika Juszczyk

Obesity is described as an excess or abnormally high level of body fat which can have an adverse effect on health It is a complex chronic condition that results from the interaction of genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, energy intake and energy expenditure

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e199ms3990

Abstract | PDF