Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy for Acute Appendicitis in Children

Indian Pediatr. 2017 Nov 15;54(11):938-941. doi: 10.1007/s13312-017-1186-z. Epub 2017 Aug 24.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic appendectomy and open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children.

Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective comparison of hospital records for postoperative complications, duration of operation, and postoperative length of stay between children (aged <18y) who underwent laparoscopic (n=190) or open (n=199) appendectomy over a six-year period. Quality of life was evaluated immediately and 1 month postoperatively.

Results: The major complication rate after surgery in laparoscopic group was significantly lower than that of open appendectomy group (13% vs 27%, P<0.05). The mean (SD) postoperative hospital stay was also shorter in laparoscopic group (2.4 (0.6) days vs 3.7 (1.1) days, P<0.05). The postoperative minor complication rate and hospital expenses were not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of surgery was longer in laparoscopic group (P<0.05). Children in laparoscopic group had less postoperative pain and higher quality of life after one month than those in open appendectomy group.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic technique seems to be safer than open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children.

MeSH terms

  • Appendectomy* / adverse effects
  • Appendectomy* / methods
  • Appendectomy* / statistics & numerical data
  • Appendicitis / epidemiology*
  • Appendicitis / surgery*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Laparoscopy* / methods
  • Laparoscopy* / statistics & numerical data
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome