Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Safe Procedure that can be Performed by Surgical Residents

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic surgery has many advantages and has become popular in various disease settings, surgical residents do not yet have sufficient opportunity to perform laparoscopic surgery. Appendectomies are the most common procedures performed by surgical residents, and they may be suitable for gaining them laparoscopic experience. We had our residents perform laparoscopic appendectomies and analyzed clinical outcomes to verify the utility of this procedure in providing laparoscopy education. METHODS: Between September 2006 and December 2007, 384 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (n=191, LA) or open appendectomy (n=193, OA). Patient demographic data and outcomes for the two groups were compared. In the LA group, cases performed by surgical residents were compared against those performed by surgical specialists. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were comparable demographically. The incidence of complicated appendicitis in the LA group was 19.4% and that in the OA group was 25.9% (P=0.126). Operative time was similar between the two groups. Postoperatively, recovery time was shorter in the LA group than in the OA group, especially for patients with non-complicated appendicitis. LA performed by surgical residents showed similar outcomes, including operative time and postoperative recovery parameters. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy appears to have many advantages, such as less pain, rapid postoperative recovery, and more economic differential diagnosis. This procedure can be performed safely by surgical residents. Thus, laparoscopic appendectomy is a suitable procedure for laparoscopic surgery education for surgical residents.