Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy: a prospective assessment

• Published in: British journal of surgery Vol. 81; no. 1; p. 133
• Main Authors: Lujan Mompean, J A, Robles Campos, R, Parrilla Paricio, P, Soria Aledo, V, Garcia Ayllon, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-01-1994
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Appendectomy - adverse effects; Appendectomy - methods; Appendicitis - surgery; Child; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800810148

A prospective study of 200 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis was performed to compare open and laparoscopic appendicectomy. Formal randomization was precluded by instrument availability. Some 100 patients underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy (conversion to laparotomy was carried out in five) and 100 had conventional surgery. The groups were similar in sex ratio, age, degree of appendiceal inflammation and antibiotic treatment. The mean duration of open appendicectomy was 46 min and of the laparoscopic procedure 51 min (P not significant). Postoperative complications in patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy included: intra-abdominal abscess (two patients), wound infection (one), early bowel obstruction (four; all resolved with medical treatment) and umbilical haematoma (two). There were no reoperations in the immediate or late postoperative period. Complications after open operation were: wound infection (seven patients) (P < 0.05), early bowel obstruction (five; three resolved with medical treatment, two required surgery) and haematoma of the surgical wound (one). The mean hospital stay was 4.8 days for laparoscopic appendicectomy and 6.0 days for the open operation (P < 0.05). There were no deaths.