Laparoscopic Appendectomy is Feasible for Inexperienced Surgeons in the Early Days of Individual Laparoscopic Training Courses

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recently, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been widely performed in developed countries. In addition, minimally invasive surgery such as LA is a challenge to surgical residents. The aim of this study is to evaluate learning curve of residents in comparison to that of experienced surgeons. METHODS: Fifty cases of LA that were performed by experienced surgeons (group A) and forty-seven cases of LA that were performed by 8 residents (group B) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Operative time was longer in group B (50.8+/-12 vs. 82.8+/-40 min. P<0.001). Hospital days of group B was shorter (4.8+/-2.4 vs. 3.7+/-2.1 days P=0.021). No other parameters were statistically significant. In group A, wound infection developed in 1 case. In group B, wound infection developed in 4 cases, intraabdominal abscess in 1, subcutaneous emphysema in 1. CONCLUSION: Inexperienced surgeons can perform laparoscopic appendectomy easily in the early days of individual laparoscopic training course.