Introduction:

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain.

Objective:

To describe currents trends in treatment of acute appendicitis in adults.

Methods:

A non-systematic review of the literature was made using Virtual Health Library, PubMed, SciELO and Scholar Google databases. Meta-analysis and original articles, in Spanish and English, published from 2016 to March 2021, were included.

Results:

Laparoscopic appendectomy is the most accepted treatment for complicated and uncomplicated forms of acute appendicitis, were human and materials resources exists. Simple ligation is preferable to stump invagination. The systematic use of abdominal drainage is not recommended. Wounds edge protectors are useful in prevention of surgical site infection. Primary skin closure with an intradermal suture, has better results. To achieve a unique disease classification system is necessary, in order to improve results. Prophylactic antibiotics are sufficient in uncomplicated appendicitis; complicated acute appendicitis require a short course of antibiotics. Non-surgical treatment can be considered in selected patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

Conclusions:

Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is preferred, there is a tendency to use ambulatory protocols and shortened antibiotics prescriptions.

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