Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy: a prospective study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the results of laparoscopic [LA] and open appendicectomy [OA] in patients with signs and symptoms suggesting acute appendicitis who were seen by one surgical team. The study included a total of 149 patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis; 71 [28 men and 43 women with a mean age of 27 years] underwent LA and 78 [55 men and 23 women with a mean age of 21 years] had an OA. LA had a longer median operating time [63 minutes versus 40 minutes]. The hospital stays were significantly short in LA [2.06 days versus 4.03 days]. LA also reported a less postoperative wound sepsis rate. The return to the normal activity was earlier in LA [median 9.0 days versus 16.2 days]. The degree of appendiceal inflammation and the doses of analgesics were similar in both groups. In six patients, the procedure was converted to OA. LA can significantly reduce the hospital stay and decrease the wound infection rate with a quicker return to normal activities