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Laparoscopic vs open appendectomy in children: outcomes comparison based on age, sex, and perforation status

Steven L Lee1, Arezou Yaghoubian, Amy Kaji

  • 1Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA. slleemd@yahoo.com

Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is now preferred for children with appendicitis. Compared to open appendectomy (OA), LA significantly reduces wound infections, abscess drainage, and hospital stays.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Surgical Outcomes
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
  • Open appendectomy (OA) has been the traditional surgical approach.
  • Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has emerged as an alternative technique.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) versus open appendectomy (OA) in children.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of LA in pediatric appendicitis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study utilizing discharge abstract data from twelve regional hospitals in Southern California.
  • Analysis of 7,650 pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis.
  • Comparison of 30-day morbidity (wound infection, abscess drainage, readmission) and length of hospitalization between LA and OA groups.

Main Results:

  • Laparoscopic appendectomy use increased significantly from 22% in 1998 to 70% in 2007.
  • Patients undergoing LA were older and had lower perforation rates compared to OA.
  • LA was associated with decreased odds of wound infection and abscess drainage, and a shorter hospital stay.

Conclusions:

  • Laparoscopic appendectomy is now the preferred surgical approach for pediatric appendicitis.
  • LA offers significant benefits over OA, including reduced wound infections, abscess formation, and shorter hospitalization.
  • The findings support the widespread adoption of LA in pediatric appendicitis management.
Abstract

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