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Infectious complications following laparoscopic appendectomy

Rohit Gupta1, Cliff Sample, Fahad Bamehriz

  • 1Centre for the Advancement of Minimally Invasive Surgery (CAMIS), University of Alberta, Edmonton.

Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie
|January 20, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) may lead to intra-abdominal abscesses, especially with gangrenous appendicitis and extensive irrigation. This study found outcomes comparable to literature reviews, with abscesses managed by drainage.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Gastroenterology
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Infectious Complications

Background:

  • Existing literature suggests a higher rate of intra-abdominal abscess following laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) compared to open appendectomy (OA).
  • This study aimed to evaluate infectious complications specifically within a single tertiary care center.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence and potential contributing factors of infectious complications, particularly intra-abdominal abscesses, after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA).
  • To compare institutional outcomes with published systematic reviews.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing LA for acute appendicitis between 1995 and 2002.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on patients with confirmed appendicitis, excluding conversions to open appendectomy for initial analysis.

Main Results:

  • Out of 175 patients, 3 experienced significant postoperative infectious complications (1 wound infection, 2 intra-abdominal abscesses).
  • Both intra-abdominal abscesses occurred in patients with gangrenous appendicitis and involved extensive irrigation during the procedure.
  • All abscesses were successfully treated with percutaneous drainage.

Conclusions:

  • Institutional outcomes for LA are comparable to findings in the Cochrane systematic review.
  • Aggressive manipulation of the appendix and increased irrigation during LA may be technical factors contributing to intra-abdominal abscess formation.

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