Comparison of open versus laparoscopic appendectomy

Abstract

Background: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now considered the gold standard for the management of gall stone disease, laparoscopic appendectomy has not attained the same degree of popularity and acceptance. Aim of this study is to assess and compare the role of laparoscopic appendectomy with open appendectomy in acute appendicitis as well as in the patients planned for interval appendectomy.Methods: Total number of fifty cases over the age of 12 years were studied prospectively. Out of 50 number of total cases, 20 cases were those who have been operated laparoscopically while 30 cases were of open appendectomy group. The two groups were compared with respect to operative time, length of hospital stay, post-operative pain and nausea, complication rate and time to return to normal activity.Results: The mean age was 22.8±2(6.83) and 26.7±2(9.22) years in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively, with the range of 14 to 42 in the laparoscopic group and 13 to 50 years in the open group. The Average operating time was more in the laparoscopic appendectomy as compared to the time taken in performing open appendectomy. However, this was not statistically significant with p<0,05. Overall, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between open and laparoscopic groups.Conclusions: The laparoscopic appendectomy is safe, simple and efficient technique for treatment of acute appendicitis with result comparable to the open appendectomy, if not better.