Appendicitis in the elderly: a change in the laparoscopic era

Appendicitis in elderly patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early and correct diagnosis together with minimally invasive surgery can lead to more favorable outcomes than occurred in the prelaparoscopic era.

A retrospective review of 116 elderly patients (age > 60) from 1999 to 2004 is compared with the authors' previously published studies from 1978 to 1988 (n = 96) and from 1988 to 1998 (n = 113), respectively.

In our current series (1999-2004), more cases were managed laparoscopically (n = 68) than with open surgery (n = 48). Perforated appendicitis cases resulted in significantly longer hospital stays, more complications, and longer operating time than nonperforated cases. The laparoscopic cases had significantly shorter lengths of hospital stay and fewer complications than open cases, and comparable operating times. As compared with our previous studies from 1978 to 1988) and from 1988 to 1998, the current series (1999-2004) consists of patients presenting with fewer classical symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was more accurate in the current study and more routinely used. The patients in the current series had more correct preoperative diagnoses. Perforated appendicitis was encountered less frequently and associated with fewer complications. The 4% mortality rate in the previous two series decreased to less than 1% in this series.

Minimally invasive surgery combined with increased use and accuracy of preoperative CT scans has changed the clinical management of acute appendicitis in elderly patients, leading to decreased lengths of stay, decreased mortality, and more favorable outcomes.