Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendicectomy

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic appendicectomy vs open appendicectomy,
comparing operative time, length of hospital stay with post operative pain and complication rate.
Material & Methods: This retrospective study was performed over a period of two years on
patients admitted to Shalamar Hospital, Lahore under supervision of one surgeon.100 patients
were included in study, 60 patients had laparoscopic appendicectomy (group-LA) and 40 patients
had open appendicectomy (Group-OA).
Results: Out of group LA, 20% (12) had perforated appendices while in group-OA 12% (4) had
perforated appendices. Conversion to open appendectomy was done in 6.66 % (4) in group-LA.
Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with shorter hospital stay (mean 2.2 days) as
compared to open appendectomy (Mean 3.1 days). In group LAincidence of wound infection was
5.0 % as compared to group OA in which it was 12.5%. There was no significant difference in
operative time (LA = 51.3 minutes versus OA = 40.6 minutes). However, cost of group-LA (Rs.
22,500) was higher as compared to group-OA(Rs.15, 200).
Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe and efficient as open appendectomy
provided surgical experience and equipment are available