Outcomes of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy

Controversy remains regarding which approach is better, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) or open appendectomy (OA). A 5-year retrospective review of patients undergoing appendectomy was performed to compare the outcomes of LA and OA using standard statistical methods (P < 0.05). LA was performed in 207 and OA in 100 patients (conversion 6.7%). Females underwent LA more frequently than males (81.7% vs 51.9%; P = 0.0001). LA patients were older (30.2 years vs 25.7 years; P = 0.03), with no differences in body mass index (BMI) (27.9 kg/m² vs 25.5 kg/m²; P = 0.06) or operative times (51.1 minutes vs 51.5 minutes; P = 0.84). LA patients required less analgesics (19.2 mg vs 31.5 mg; P = 0.01), and shorter hospital stays (27.2 hours vs 53.1 hours; P = 0.0001). Operating room charges were higher for LA ($3839 vs $2528; P = 0.0001), with no difference in total hospital charges ($8801. vs $9147; P = 0.14). Complications between LA and OA were similar (3.6% vs 8%; P = 0.12). Converted patients were older, required more analgesia, and had higher morbidity, length of stay, and hospital charges. LA is the procedure of choice for appendicitis regardless of age, sex, BMI, or degree of appendiceal inflammation. LA is as safe and quick to perform as OA with lower analgesic requirements, length of stay, and no difference in total charges.