Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Complicated Acute Appendicitis in the Elderly: A Single-center Experience

Area of Science:

• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated acute appendicitis in the elderly is debated.
• This study compares laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) versus open appendectomy (OA) outcomes in elderly patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postoperative outcomes between LA and OA in elderly patients with complicated acute appendicitis.
• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of LA for this patient group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients aged over 65 years (January 2012 - November 2015).
• Data collected included demographics, intraoperative variables, length of stay, and surgical complications.
• Comparison between LA and OA groups, and between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis cases within the LA group.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in postoperative complications between LA and OA groups.
• LA group showed faster recovery in ambulation and solid food resumption.
• OA group had a longer hospital stay compared to the LA group.
• Complicated appendicitis cases (CLA group) had longer symptom duration and operation times than uncomplicated cases (UCLA group).

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy is not associated with increased surgical complications in elderly patients with complicated acute appendicitis.
• LA appears to be a safe and feasible surgical technique for this demographic and condition.