Yu Liu1, Zhengmin Cui, Rongpeng Zhang. 1. Departments of Pediatric Surgery; *Qilu Hospital, Shandong Univeristy, and #Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi; China. Correspondence to: Dr Zhengmin Cui, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Jiefang Road, Linyi, 276003, China. zhengmc12345@163.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic appendectomy and open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children. METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective comparison of hospital records for postoperative complications, duration of operation, and postoperative length of stay between children (aged <18y) who underwent laparoscopic (n=190) or open (n=199) appendectomy over a six-year period. Quality of life was evaluated immediately and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The major complication rate after surgery in laparoscopic group was significantly lower than that of open appendectomy group (13% vs 27%, P<0.05). The mean (SD) postoperative hospital stay was also shorter in laparoscopic group (2.4 (0.6) days vs 3.7 (1.1) days, P<0.05). The postoperative minor complication rate and hospital expenses were not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of surgery was longer in laparoscopic group (P<0.05). Children in laparoscopic group had less postoperative pain and higher quality of life after one month than those in open appendectomy group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic technique seems to be safer than open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic appendectomy and open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children. METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective comparison of hospital records for postoperative complications, duration of operation, and postoperative length of stay between children (aged <18y) who underwent laparoscopic (n=190) or open (n=199) appendectomy over a six-year period. Quality of life was evaluated immediately and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The major complication rate after surgery in laparoscopic group was significantly lower than that of open appendectomy group (13% vs 27%, P<0.05). The mean (SD) postoperative hospital stay was also shorter in laparoscopic group (2.4 (0.6) days vs 3.7 (1.1) days, P<0.05). The postoperative minor complication rate and hospital expenses were not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of surgery was longer in laparoscopic group (P<0.05). Children in laparoscopic group had less postoperative pain and higher quality of life after one month than those in open appendectomy group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic technique seems to be safer than open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children.