Acute appendicitis A paradigm shift

This thesis examines the shifting paradigm of diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis in adults. Rather than simply labeling cases as "acute appendicitis", the need for a precise distinction between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis is emphasized. A practical scoring model is introduced to facilitate this distinction, detailing the developmental process. Furthermore, this dissertation addresses the paradigm shift in the treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis. It discusses alternatives to immediate surgery, such as antibiotic therapy for mild cases, carefully considering both patient welfare and medical viewpoints. Finally, it examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation of acute appendicitis and on surgical practice in general.