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Intraabdominal abscess following open and laparoscopic appendectomy in the pediatric population

R McKinlay1, S Neeleman, R Klein

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.

Surgical Endoscopy
|March 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) show similar intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) rates in children. LA is safe for perforated appendicitis, not increasing IAA risk compared to OA.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Surgical Outcomes
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Conflicting data exists regarding intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) rates after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) versus open appendectomy (OA).
  • Appendectomy is a common pediatric surgical procedure.
  • Understanding infection risks associated with different surgical approaches is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) following laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) in children.
  • To evaluate the safety of LA for perforated appendicitis regarding IAA risk.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 324 children who underwent appendectomy.
  • Analysis of IAA incidence based on surgical approach (LA vs. OA).
  • Specific analysis of IAA rates in cases of perforated appendicitis.

Main Results:

  • A total of 324 appendectomies were performed: 204 (63.0%) laparoscopically and 119 (36.7%) open.
  • The overall IAA rate was 4.6% (15/324), with 3.4% in the LA group and 6.7% in the OA group (p=NS).
  • For perforated appendicitis, IAA rates were 15% for LA and 10% for OA (p=NS).

Conclusions:

  • There is no statistically significant difference in IAA rates between LA and OA in children.
  • Laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely used for perforated appendicitis without an increased risk of IAA.
  • LA is a viable and safe option for pediatric appendectomy, including complicated cases.
Abstract

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