Laparoscopic appendectomy in children Evaluation of the learning curve

Introduction: The advantages of laparoscopic against open appendectomy were observed both in adults and children. Objective: The aim of the authors was to study the learning period when they switched from open to laparoscopic appendectomy. Methods: Retrospective, observational study was performed. Children (0–18 years) between 2016 and 2017 were included, who underwent acute appendectomy. Exclusion criteria were other surgical procedure performed at the same time (Meckel’s diverticulum, ovarian pathology), converted laparoscopic procedure and malignancies. Patients were divided to open appendectomy (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) groups. Duration of the procedures, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications were reviewed. For statistical analysis Mann–Whitney, Fisher’s exact and chi2 tests were used. Results: During the study period, 297 appendectomies were performed (open: 149, laparoscopic: 148). In 2017, reaching the end of the learning curve, laparoscopy was the faster procedure (p = 0.0003). The length of stay was shorter in laparoscopic than in open appendectomy (p<0.0001). There was no difference in the number of postoperative complications between the OA and the LA groups (p = 0.2409). Discussion: Our study supports the international studies in English literature which showed that the results of a laparoscopic operation in childhood after the “learning phase” do not differ, and may be better, than those of an open one. Conclusion: LA is a safe and fast procedure in childhood. Even paediatric surgeons who did previously only open procedures, can switch to the laparoscopic technique following a short learning curve.