Comparative Evaluation of Outcomes in Laparoscopic and Open Appendectomy: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Appendectomy is a type of surgical procedure which is believed to be the most commonly done in the world. The minimally invasive techniques have resulted in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) being the most popular over LA. Relative effectiveness of these methods however, remains of clinical interest.

Aim: To compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open appendectomy (OA) which is done in patients with acute appendicitis retrospectively.

Methodology: The department of general surgery, Great Eastern medical school and hospital carried out a retrospective observational study. 140 records of appendectomy in a 1-year period were examined. There were two groups of patients; LA and OA. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data on the demographic characteristics, operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, complications, and recovery.

Results: Out of 140 patients, 75 (53.6%) patients underwent LA and 65 (46.4%) patients underwent open appendectomy. Laparoscopic group showed a great reduction in hospital stay (3.2±11 days compared with 5.1±18 days), postoperative pain and return to normal activities. Nonetheless, there was a bit longer operative time in the laparoscopic group. The open group had more postoperative complications like wound infection.

Conclusion: The LA has superior postoperative results as it has less pain, less hospitalization and fewer complications even though the operative time is a little longer. It may be regarded as the most desirable surgery in the appropriate patients.

Keywords: Appendectomy, Laparoscopic surgery, Open appendectomy, Acute appendicitis, Surgical outcomes