introduction of laparoscopic appendectomy in a teaching hospital

A retrospective study of laparoscopic appendectomy [LA] versus open appendectomy [OA] was performed on patients with suspected acute appendicitis. Patients were selected for OA or LA according to the clinical evaluation, and preference of the surgeon. Over a 2-year period 180 patients were included, of whom 94 patients underwent OA, and 86 patients underwent LA. LA was successfully completed in 76 patients [88.3%]. The mean hospital stay in OA was 3.2 days versus 2.7 days in LA. The mean operative time was shorter in OA than in LA [51.6 versus 59.8 min]. There was no significant difference in convalescence between both the groups, however, there was a tendency towards less narcotic requirement among the LA group. Postoperative complications in patients who underwent OA included: chest infection [3 patients], wound infection [4 patients], thrombophlebitis [1 patient]. Complications after LA included: pelvic collection [1 patient], chest infection [1 patient], ileus [1 patient]. There was no wound infection in the LA group. There was no death in either groups. LA is a safe procedure comparable to OA, however, it requires skills in laparoscopy and prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm its advantages over conventional appendectomy