Clinical outcome and cost comparison between laparoscopic and open appendicectomy

Area of Science:

• General Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Local data comparing laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) and open appendicectomy (OA) is limited.
• Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure for appendicitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cost and outcomes of LA versus OA.
• To evaluate the efficiency of LA in healthcare resource utilization.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 198 appendectomies (82 LA, 116 OA) from July to December 2010.
• Comparison of patient demographics, surgical duration, length of stay (LOS), cost of stay (COS), and complication rates.

Main Results:

• LA patients were younger, had a higher proportion of females, and more negative appendectomies.
• Surgical duration was longer for LA (86 min vs. 74 min, P = 0.003).
• LA significantly reduced LOS by 1.3 days (2.0 days vs. 3.3 days, P < 0.0001), with no significant difference in COS, wound infections, or overall complications.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic appendicectomy is associated with a shorter length of stay compared to open appendicectomy.
• The cost of laparoscopic appendicectomy is equivalent to open appendicectomy.
• LA appears superior from a healthcare resource utilization perspective.