Appendicitis: Is Surgery Always the Only Option?

Appendicitis: Is Surgery Always the Only Option?

12 September, 2025 | By Dr Lekshmi Priya R

Appendicitis is a condition that can cause sudden abdominal pain and anxiety for anyone experiencing it. When people hear the word “appendicitis”, their immediate thought is usually surgery. But is surgery always the only option? The response is a little more nuanced than many think. Surgery is the standard and safest treatment for appendicitis, however there are certain circumstances where alternatives to surgery, such as antibiotics, may be appropriate also. Here at Sunrise Hospital we enjoy helping our patients make these decisions in a transparent, caring and medically responsible manner.

Can Appendicitis Always Be Treated Without Surgery?

The short answer is, no. Surgical treatment is generally the best option for avoiding the chance of complications. However, in some uncomplicated mild appendicitis, antibiotics may be adequate to treat appendicitis. These are conditions where the appendix is not perforated and the infection is well contained.

A full evaluation of the patient by a specialist is crucial to determining if antibiotics alone will be satisfactory.

Saying that, there is a risk of recurrence with antibiotics only. Even if the infection is adequately controlled, the appendicitis can recur, usually more aggressively. For these reasons, and others, General Surgery (more specifically appendectomy) is the recognized and safe treatment of the disease for most patients.

At Sunrise Hospital, we have General Surgeons who will fully evaluate each case with respect to not only the immediate health needs, but also long-term health completion. We aid patients in understanding the benefits and deficits of each option, all to ensure the patient rest assured in their health treatment.

Why Is General Surgery the Standard Treatment for Appendicitis?

General Surgery has evolved significantly over the years. For appendicitis, it provides a safe, effective, and lasting solution. The most common surgical treatment is an appendectomy, which can often be performed laparoscopically. This minimally invasive procedure allows surgeons to remove the appendix through small incisions, leading to quicker recovery, less scarring, and reduced risk of complications.

The reason General Surgery is considered the standard for appendicitis is simple: it eliminates the root cause of the problem. The potential for recurrence is close to zero when the appendix is removed. Patients can heal and go back to their usual way of life, with a minimal chance of a return of the problem.

Sunrise Hospital's General Surgery department has cutting-edge capabilities. Because our surgeons are well-trained, experienced, and committed health care professionals, they perform a wide variety of procedures from minimally invasive hernia repair to thyroid surgery and varicose vein treatment. From the initial incision to the closure, our surgical team performs many surgical procedures with great attention to detail and caution. Appendix care is one of our particular specialties, and our surgeons provide our patients with the same quality, expertise, and care regardless of the care provided.

Who Are The Doctor's Performing Appendicitis at Sunrise Hospital?

Sunrise Hospital General Surgery is comprised of skilled professionals, and our team provides healthcare based on experience and education, and a patient-first approach.

An integral member of our surgical team is Dr. Lekshmi Priya R - Consultant, General Surgery. She holds a range of clinical experience, six of which were spent training in open and laparoscopic surgery. She finished her postgraduate training at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal and earned a DNB for General Surgery with the National Board of Examinations. Furthermore, Dr. Priya has also obtained an FMAS in Laparoscopic Surgery.

Dr. Priya has numerous academic achievements of an MBBS, MS, DNB, FMAS; her patients value the detail in her work, her communication style, and her kindness to educate them through treatment. At Sunrise Hospital, alongside her team, she is keen to ensure cases of appendicitis and other surgical conditions are managed with deliberate accuracy, and allow patients to build confidence in their journey through to recovery.

What Do Patients Say About Their Appendicitis Treatment?

Sanjana P - Hospital infrastructure provides a premium feel..

Gokul P - Best hospital facility in the area for all kinds of treatments..

Mariya Sam - The hospital was quite welcoming.

How Does Sunrise Hospital Take Care of Your Appendicitis Health?

At Sunrise Hospital, appendicitis care is approached with urgency, accuracy, and compassion. The condition can escalate quickly, which is why timely diagnosis and treatment are critical. Our experts conduct timely assessments, with all the modern diagnostic tools necessary, to determine the condition of the appendix: inflamed, infected, or ruptured.

If surgery is necessary, we use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever we can. The advantages of this type of surgery are fewer incisions, faster recovery times, and less pain. In the rare cases that we do decide to treat appendicitis with antibiotics, we continue to monitor the patient through their recovery.

We are committed to aftercare. Recovery does not stop when the patient leaves the hospital; it continues at home. Our surgeons will provide personalized advice about diet, activity, and care of wounds. This way of providing surgical care will ensure that patients can safely recover and return to their quality of life without complication.

Why is Sunrise Hospital the Best choice for Appendicitis and General Surgery?

There are many considerations that go in to the decision making process for appendicitis as well as other surgical conditions. Sunrise Hospital provides a fantastic, caring and compassionate environment along with world-class medical facilities. Our surgeons are highly trained and experienced, our facilities are new, modern and designed for patients, and we always prioritize safety and long-term care.

Our General Surgery department is not only known for its clinical excellence, but also in achieving extraordinary patient satisfaction. Upon entering one of our facilities, our goal is to give you smooth and seamless experiences from your diagnosis, treatment, surgery and recovery, in a clear and caring environment. We proudly remain the best option for patients searching for trustworthy and polished General Surgery in Kerala.

Sunrise Hospital is the fastest growing healthcare network in Kerala and is offers an approach to care that combines medical excellence with compassion. We are proud to have the means to provide exact treatment, faster recovery and excellent care that spans many specialties of medicine. Our hospital is now embedded in the community, providing affordable and effective treatment options to all people regardless of the diagnosis or types of emergencies.

Every patient receives individualized care and we strive to restore their health to the best of our abilities with the utmost comfort and care.

To make an appointment or find out more about our services please contact us directly. You can call us on 04792363050 or contact us by email, info@sunrisehospitalkulanada.com.