title: A case of nonpharmacologic conservative management of suspected uncomplicated subacute appendicitis in an adult male.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Appendicitis is an acute condition of the abdomen that is treated with surgical intervention. Conservative treatment of appendicitis currently involves intravenous antibiotics. While conservative care is a useful tool in apprehensive patients, in conditions such as appendicitis, delays in proper treatment can be life threatening. In spite of this, some patients will still refuse surgical and pharmacologic intervention, which can significantly limit the physician's therapeutic options.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sonographic evidence is presented of appendicitis in a patient who strongly desired to avoid pharmacologic or surgical intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient underwent a medically supervised water-only fast followed by a plant-based, low-fat, low-sodium diet and achieved a significant reduction and eventual elimination of symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case demonstrates the need for further research on the effects of medically supervised water-only fasting and careful refeeding in cases of uncomplicated appendicitis.
authors.affiliation: TrueNorth Health Center, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA. dracg@comcast.net
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gershfeld
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sultana
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goldhamer
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000178:diet therapy*; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water