Comparison of open and laparoscopic techniques in the surgical treatment of acute appendicitis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common cause of acute abdomen and appendectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures. In this study, we aimed to compare open appendectomy (OA) and laparoscopic (LA) surgical techniques in the treatment of AA. METHODS: The data of 236 patients treated with the diagnosis of AA in 2019–2020 were analyzed. Of these patients, 85 patients who received OA and 84 patients who received LA were included in the study. Then, the two groups were compared in terms of demographic, laboratory, clinical, and surgical treatments. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 34.9 years (range 16–78), and the male-to-female ratio was 0.69. Statistical analysis revealed that the OA group had more leukocytosis, more female gender, and longer operation time than the LA group, but the LA group’s complication rate was lower (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: LA offers less morbidity, a shorter duration of hospital stay, and a fast return to normal activities compared to OA. In the surgical treatment of AA, LA can be applied as a routine and first-line treatment. © 2023 by Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Health.