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Is laparoscopic appendectomy safe when performed in a low volume setting?
Shamir O Cawich1, Sanjib K Mohanty2, Lindberg K Simpson3
1Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago;
International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS
|April 9, 2014
Summary
Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective in the Caribbean, even with low surgical volumes. This study demonstrates favorable outcomes for this procedure performed by community surgeons in the region.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is increasingly adopted globally.
- Limited data exists on its outcomes in the Caribbean region.
- This study addresses the paucity of regional data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomies.
- Focus on procedures performed by community surgeons.
- Evaluate outcomes in a low-volume Caribbean setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection for consecutive laparoscopic appendectomies (June 2006 - May 2011).
- Defined complicated appendicitis (gangrenous, perforated, phlegmonous, or abscess).
- Statistical analysis using SPSS version 19.
Main Results:
- 167 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (mean 11 cases/surgeon/year).
- Negative appendectomy rate was 14%.
- Morbidity rates were 1.8% for uncomplicated and 14.7% for complicated appendicitis.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure in low-volume settings.
- Community surgeons can achieve good outcomes.
- It should be part of the standard surgical options.
