Laparoscopic appendectomy versus open appendectomy: A randomized prospective comparative study.

Introduction: Laparoscopic Appendectomy confers advantages to the patient in terms of fewer wound infections, less pain, faster recovery and earlier return to work. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare advantages and disadvantages between laparoscopic Appendectomy and open Appendectomy in general surgical practices. Materials and methods: A two year randomized, prospective comparative study of Laparoscopic Appendectomy versus Open Appendectomy was done in the Department of Surgery, M.G.M medical college & L.S.K. hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chisquare test was applied. Results: Wound infections in LA group was 9% and OA group was 20%. Intra- abdominal abscess in LA group was 9% and OA group 1.8%. Adhesive ileus in LA group was 4.5% and OA group was 1.7%. Caecal leak was seen only in LA group. Pneumonia was not reported in both the groups. Operation time in LA group was 60 mins and OA group was 30mins. Duration of Hospital stay in LA group was 3 days and OA group was 5 days. Mean duration of return to normal activity in LA group was 5.4 days and OA group was 7.1 days. Mean duration of return to heavy work was 12.2 days in LA group and OA group was 16.8 days. Conclusion: Laparoscopic Appendectomy was found to be both feasible and safe in comparison with open Appendectomy.