Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: is the postoperative infectious complication rate different?

Despite the reported advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), there is debate about the postoperative infectious complication rate. Our study attempts to determine if the infectious complication rate between LA and open appendectomy (OA) is different. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent appendectomy at Kern Medical Center between 1999 and 2003. Age, sex, white blood cell count, temperature, pathology, and postoperative complications were identified. Fifty-seven patients underwent LA, and 159 patients underwent OA. The groups were well matched for demographics, white blood cell count, temperature, and percent perforated appendicitis. There was an overall 9.3 per cent complication rate. The infectious complication rate in OA versus LA group was statistically different (6.3% vs 17.6%, P = 0.04). The infectious complication rate in the LA group was significantly higher than in the OA group. Further large randomized trials are necessary to confirm our findings and to identify if LA is appropriate for a subset of appendicitis patients.