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Laparoscopic appendectomy versus open appendectomy in children

K Chauhan1, S Kashif, S Awadalla

  • 1Paediatric Surgical Department, Children's University Hospital, Temple street, Dublin. mkashifdr@yahoo.com

Irish Medical Journal
|February 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) offers a safe alternative to open appendectomy (OA) in children, resulting in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery. This comparison of 200 pediatric patients highlights the benefits of LA for appendicitis treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
  • Traditional open appendectomy (OA) has been the standard treatment.
  • Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) offers potential advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) versus open appendectomy (OA) in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate benefits, advantages, and complications of both surgical methods.
  • To assess recovery parameters including pain, hospital stay, and return to normal activities.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study of 200 pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy in Dublin, Ireland.
  • 100 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and 100 underwent open appendectomy (OA).
  • Data collected included operative time, anesthetic time, postoperative pain, feeding time, hospital stay, complication rates, and time to return to normal activities.

Main Results:

  • LA group had significantly shorter operative time (35.8 min vs 45.66 min) and anesthetic time (46.6 min vs 56.75 min).
  • Patients in the LA group experienced less postoperative pain, earlier feeding (16.7 hrs vs 24.7 hrs), and shorter hospital stays (1.6 days vs 2.55 days).
  • Return to normal activities was faster in the LA group (10.8 days vs 15.78 days), with similar complication and wound infection rates.

Conclusions:

  • Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective alternative to open appendectomy in children.
  • LA leads to reduced postoperative pain, decreased hospital stay, and earlier ambulation.
  • The study supports the adoption of LA for pediatric appendicitis treatment due to improved patient outcomes.

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