Does an 80-year-old need surgery for appendicitis?

An 80-year-old with appendicitis does not necessarily need surgery. The specific treatment needs to be determined based on the severity of the disease, individual health status, and risk assessment. Treatment methods include conservative treatment such as the use of antibiotics or surgical treatment, which is usually laparoscopic surgery or traditional open surgery. Doctors need to make a comprehensive judgment and choose the most suitable plan.

1. Determine the severity of the condition

For appendicitis, the most important distinction is between simple appendicitis and suppurative or perforated appendicitis. Simple appendicitis can be treated conservatively with antibiotics in some cases, while suppurative or perforated appendicitis requires surgery to remove the source of infection. If the elderly have mild symptoms such as mild abdominal pain and fever, conservative treatment can be the doctor's initial choice, but the condition needs to be closely observed. Once the condition worsens, such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, and diffuse tenderness, surgical intervention should be considered immediately.

2. Assess the overall health status of the elderly

For 80-year-olds, since they often have multiple chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, etc., their tolerance for surgery is lower than that of young people. Before deciding whether to have surgery, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including cardiopulmonary function, kidney function, etc. If the risk of surgery is high, antibiotic treatment may be tried first, combined with close monitoring of changes in the condition. If the elderly are in good health, surgery may be the best option for radical cure.

3. Choice of specific treatment method

If surgery is necessary, there are currently two options:

Laparoscopic surgery: small incision and quick recovery, but it is necessary to consider whether the patient can tolerate it.

Traditional laparotomy: Suitable for complex situations, such as purulent or perforated appendicitis, to facilitate the complete removal of infected tissue.

If conservative treatment is chosen, the doctor may give intravenous antibiotics such as cephalosporins or quinolones to control inflammation, and the observation period is generally 48-72 hours.

Whether an 80-year-old person with appendicitis needs surgery requires a comprehensive consideration of the condition and physical condition. If the condition is mild and the general condition is poor, conservative treatment and close observation can be tried first; if the condition is complicated or progresses rapidly, surgery may be the only option. It is recommended that the elderly seek medical treatment in a timely manner, listen to the doctor's professional evaluation, and obtain a treatment plan that suits them.