Laparoscopic Versus Conventional Appendectomy.

Authors

Fernando Bonanni MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
James F. Reed III. PhD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
G Hartzell MD, FACS
Douglas R. Trostle MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Richard C. Boorse MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Mark A. Gittleman MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Andrew Cole BS, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-1994

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The results of recent series suggest remarkable advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy over the conventional open appendectomy. To determine if clear advantages could be established, the charts of all patients admitted to our institution with a presumptive diagnosis of acute appendicitis and subsequent appendectomy were retrospectively reviewed.

STUDY DESIGN: From January 1990 through June 1992, there were 300 conventional open appendectomies and 66 laparoscopic appendectomies performed. Data from both groups were compared with respect to anesthesia time, operative time, postoperative morbidity, postoperative pain, time to regular diet, hospitalization period, cost, and return to normal activities.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the laparoscopic and open appendectomy groups with respect to operative complications, postoperative morbidity, pain medication requirements, and time to regular diet. There were significantly longer anesthesia times, operative times, and operating room costs in the laparoscopic group. For complicated appendicitis, the laparoscopic technique resulted in infectious complications that required readmission in 45.5 percent of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe alternative to conventional open appendectomy for simple acute appendicitis. However, laparoscopic appendectomy is not superior to the conventional method with regard to operative time, postoperative morbidity, pain medication requirements, time to regular diet, length of stay, cost, or return to normal activity. Laparoscopic appendectomy may be contraindicated in complicated appendicitis (gangrene, perforated with abscess, or peritonitis) due to an increased rate of infectious complications requiring readmission.

Volume

179

Issue

3

First Page

273

Last Page

278

ISSN

1072-7515

Published In/Presented At

Bonanni, F., Reed, J. 3., Hartzell, G., Trostle, D., Boorse, R., Gittleman, M., & Cole, A. (1994). Laparoscopic versus conventional appendectomy. Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons, 179(3), 273-278.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery

PubMedID

8069421

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article