Perforated appendicitis: is early laparoscopic appendectomy appropriate?

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis is associated with improved outcomes; however, laparoscopy has been challenged for perforated appendicitis owing to higher morbidity compared with open or staged procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the laparoscopic approach for perforated appendicitis results in improved outcomes compared with open appendectomy.

Methods: Postoperative patient records for confirmed perforated appendicitis from 2005 to 2008 were reviewed retrospectively.