Laparoscopic appendectomy: comparison with open appendectomy in 720 patients

We conducted a review of laparoscopic appendectomies (LA) and open appendectomies (OA) over a 3-year period, including 720 patients (253 LA, 467 OA) who underwent appendectomy during the study period. Computer records were reviewed with respect to demographics, length of stay, operating room time, operating room cost, hospital cost, and morbidity. All patients were sent surveys to assess their posthospitalization recovery. The LA patients had significant shorter hospital stays (2.06 days vs. 3.44 days, p < .001), lower morbidity rates (5 vs 14%, p < .02), and comparable overall hospital costs ($4,800 vs. $4,950). The LA patients also reported less postoperative pain and were able to return to work sooner. Our results show that LA can significantly decrease morbidity and hospital stay with a comparable hospital cost and result in quicker patient recovery.