A comparison of outcomes between laparoscopic and open appendectomy in Canada.

SUMMARY: The benefit of a laparoscopic approach to appendectomy continues to be debated. We compared laparoscopic (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) for appendicitis in Canada using the Canadian Institute for Health Information database (2004-2008). The odds of female patients undergoing LA were 1.26 times higher than the odds of male patients, and the odds of patients with nonperforated pathology undergoing LA were 1.38 times higher than the odds of those with perforated pathology. Increasing comorbidities were associated with OA. While LA is becoming more frequent, the associated length of stay, postoperative complication rate and mortality are clearly lower than for OA. As a result, we support the continued increase in use of LA with regard to both safety and outcomes.