Conservative management is a type of medical treatment defined by the avoidance of invasive measures such as surgery or other
invasive procedures, usually with the intent to preserve function or body parts. For example, in
appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms commonly include right lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. However, approximately 40% of people do not have these typical symptoms. Severe complications of a rup ...
, conservative management may include
watchful waiting
Watchful waiting (also watch and wait or WAW) is an approach to a medical problem in which time is allowed to pass before medical intervention or therapy is used. During this time, repeated testing may be performed.
Related terms include ''expe ...
and treatment with antibiotics, as opposed to
surgical removal of the appendix.
References
Medical terminology
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