Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy: a prospective study

ABSTRACT

The benefits of laparoscopic appendicectomy are controversial, and the results of recent clinical studies have contradictory conclusions. A prospective study was performed 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. A total of 298 patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis underwent LA and 78 had OA. LA had a longer median operating time [63 minutes versus 40 minutes. The hospital stays were significantly short in LA. LA also reported less postoperative wound sepsis rate. The return to normal activity was an earlier in LA. The degree of appendiceal inflammation and doses of analgesics were similar in both groups. In 12 patients, the procedure was converted to OA. LA can significantly reduce hospital stay and decrease wound infection rate with quicker return to normal activities