[Appendectomy in children: laparoscopic or open approach?]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure in children.
• Laparoscopic and open approaches are widely used for appendectomy.
• Comparative data on pediatric appendectomy outcomes are essential for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children.
• To assess complication rates and length of hospital stay for both surgical techniques.
• To provide single-center data on pediatric appendectomy efficacy and safety.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational cohort study of pediatric patients (0–18 years) undergoing appendectomy between 2011 and 2020.
• Patients divided into laparoscopic and open appendectomy groups (including converted cases).
• Analysis of postoperative complications and length of hospital stay, stratified by uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis.

Main Results:

• A total of 1444 patients (602 laparoscopic, 842 open) were analyzed.
• No significant difference in complication rates between laparoscopic (7.48%) and open (9.86%) appendectomy (p = 0.1163).
• Laparoscopic appendectomy resulted in a significantly shorter median hospital stay (3 days) compared to open appendectomy (4 days) (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Both laparoscopic and open appendectomies are safe and effective for treating acute appendicitis in children.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with a shorter hospital stay, particularly beneficial in pediatric care.
• Further research can explore long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of each approach.