Laparoscopic Appendectomy versus Open Appendectomy in Acute Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendectomy is the most common emergency surgical procedure performed. Appendectomy is performed by either open or laparoscopic methods. However, there is lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate method. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open appendectomy in the treatment of acute appendicitis. METHODS: Fifty-two patients undergoing appendectomy were analyzed in this prospective comparative study, with 26 patients each in laparoscopic and open group. The outcomes were measured in terms of operative time, postoperative pain at 4, 6 and 12 hours, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications according to modified Clavien Dindo classification and cost analysis. RESULTS: Laparoscopic group had longer time after completion of surgery till exit from operation theatre (30 min in laparoscopic and 20 min in open, p<0.01) and significantly higher cost (Nrs. 26295 for laparoscopic and Nrs. 19575 for open, p<0.01) than open appendectomy. Operative time, time from entering operation theatre till being kept in operation table, time from being kept in operation table till initiation of anesthesia, postoperative pain at 4,6 and 12 hours and postoperative complications were insignificant in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that laparoscopic appendectomy group had longer recovery time after operation and was costlier than open appendectomy. Thus, the decision of the operative procedure can be based on the patient's preference.

Status of Maternal and Child Health Seeking Behavior among Women Aged 15-45 Years during Earthquake of 2015 in Nepal: A Mixed Method Study.

BACKGROUND: Delivery of the maternal and child health services are generally affected during the time of disaster. This study aims to assess the maternal and child health service utilization in areas in Nepal affected by the 2015 earthquake. METHODS: A mixed method study was carried in 29 Village Development Committees from nine earthquake-affected districts in Nepal. Quantitative data on maternal, neonatal and child health indicators before and after the earthquake were collected from the Health Management Information System. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews with different stakeholders were conducted to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis technique. RESULTS: Most of the indicators were comparable before and after the earthquake. Indicators such as Bacille Calmette-Guerin vs. Measles-Rubella vaccine drop-out rate, 1st antenatal care visit, delivery by skilled birth attendant and 1st postnatal care visit within 24 hours of delivery improved after the earthquake. Though most of the health facilities were damaged, health services resumed under tents or in open spaces. Some of the common problems among pregnant women included stomachache, headache, malnutrition, diarrhea, and mental stress. CONCLUSIONS: There was not much effect in the delivery of maternal neonatal and child health services. This reflects the coordinated efforts from government as well as non-government organizations and civil societies during and after the earthquake in Nepal.

A Female with Right-Sided Thoracic Kidney with Bochdalek Hernia: A Case Report.

The thoracic kidney is the rarest form of an ectopic kidney that usually present on the left thorax and twice more common in males. No case has been reported from Nepal and very few cases are reported worldwide. We report a 24 years-old female with right thoracic kidney with Bochdalek hernia diagnosed incidentally. We have included clinico-radiological and surgical findings of the case with a review of the literature. Keywords: Bochdalek hernia; ectopic kidney; thoracic kidney.