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Laparoscopic appendectomy in children: sense or nonsense?
H Steyaert1, C Hendrice, L Lereau
1Fondation Lenval Pour Enfants, Nice, France.
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|July 31, 1999
Summary
Pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure, especially for peritonitis cases. This technique offers diagnostic benefits, reduces complications, and shortens hospital stays in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is increasingly adopted for pediatric cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of pediatric laparoscopic appendectomies.
- To compare different laparoscopic techniques (OUT, MIXED, IN).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,500 pediatric laparoscopic appendectomies.
- Data collection on patient age, technique, complications, conversion rates, and hospital stay.
Main Results:
- Average patient age was 8 years (range 2-16).
- Complication rates: 0.6% for acute appendicitis, 13.3% for peritonitis.
- Conversion rate was 3.3%; no deaths occurred.
- Mean hospital stay: 1.8 days (appendicitis), 6.5 days (peritonitis).
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy in children offers diagnostic advantages, fewer parietal complications, and better cosmetic outcomes.
- Significant benefits observed in peritonitis cases, including reduced pain and shorter hospital stays.
- The procedure has clear educational value for surgical trainees.