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Laparoscopic appendectomy in children
M L Blakely1, W W Spurbeck, S Laksman
1Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
Insights
Laparoscopic appendectomy offers benefits like fewer infections and faster recovery in adults. However, its advantages in children remain unclear due to a lack of pediatric studies comparing it to open surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is frequently performed in pediatric surgical centers.
- Adult studies suggest benefits like reduced infections and faster recovery.
- Potential drawbacks include longer operative times and higher costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of laparoscopic appendectomy in children.
- To address the lack of high-quality evidence in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on laparoscopic appendectomy in children.
- Focuses on comparing outcomes with open appendectomy.
Main Results:
- Adult data indicates fewer wound infections and quicker recovery with laparoscopy.
- Concerns exist regarding increased operative time, costs, and potential complications in severe cases.
- No prospective, randomized trials specifically in children are available.
Conclusions:
- The definitive benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients require further investigation.
- Prospective, randomized trials are needed to confirm its advantages over open appendectomy in children.
Abstract:
Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common surgery in most pediatric surgical centers. Many studies, mostly retrospective reviews in adults, show the advantages of the laparoscopic approach to be less wound infections, shortened postoperative recovery, and faster return to normal activities. In addition, less analgesic medication is required postoperatively. Potential disadvantages of laparoscopic appendectomy include an increased operative time, elevated costs when disposable instruments are used, and possibly more infectious complications when performed for complicated appendicitis. There are no prospective, randomized trials comparing laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children. Until these studies are completed, questions will persist regarding the benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy in children.