Comparison between open and laparoscopic appendectomy in non-complicated appendicitis.

Background/objective: An extensive web search failed to provide studies from Puerto Rico regarding whether open (OA) or laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) should be performed for non-complicated appendicitis. Our goal is to compare these techniques in terms of time at operating room (OR), length of surgery, hospital stay, pain medication requirements, in-hospital complications and readmissions.

Methods: 126 patients (64 OA; 62 LA) with non-complicated appendicitis were studied retrospectively. Data obtained: demographics, CT-Scan use, surgery and operating room time, days in hospital, complications, diet commencement, pain medications doses, pathology and readmission.

Results: Difference was found in total time at OR (80.1+/-29 minutes OA; 105.7+/-22.6 LA) and in surgery length (41+/-28 OA; 48+/-16 LA), but not in hospital stay (2.1 days OA; 2.2 LA) nor in in-hospital complication rate. Negative appendectomy rate was 24% LA vs. 3% OA. Readmission rate was higher in OA with 5% wound infection rate.

Conclusion: Techniques are similar in mean hospital stay, in-hospital complications, and pain medication requirements. LA had a higher negative appendectomy rate but of these patients five had surgical diagnosis of acute appendicitis and after appendectomy, signs and symptoms resolved; and two patients had interval appendectomies. As these patients were cured, the real negative appendectomy rate is 13%, similar to the historically accepted 16%. The other eight patients had an adequate diagnosis. We are concerned OA negative appendectomy rate is only 3%; we wonder if surgeons are waiting too long to operate patients. Readmission was higher in OA (wound infection rate of 5%). Although it takes more time in the OR, LA is as safe as OA, has a low rate of complications and lower readmission rate.