Shahzad Alam Shah.
Laparoscopic appendicectomy versus conventional open appendicectomy: A study at Lahore General Hospital.
Esculapio J Services Inst Med Sci Jan ;3(4):21-4.

Background: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic appendicectomy compared to conventional open appendicectomy. Specifically the extracorporeal endosuturing was used to perform laparoscopic appendicectomy in patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis and the outcome was compared to that of conventional open appendicectomy. Material and Methods: Two groups of patients undergoing appendicectomy over 18 months were studied. In the first group, laparoscopic appendicectomy with extracorporeal endosuturing was performed in 46 patients by surgeons well versed with laparoscopy. These patients were compared with the second or control group that included 61 consecutive patients who underwent conventional open appendicectomy. We compared the patients` demographic data, operative findings, complications and length of hospital stay. Results: Patient demographics, history of previous abdominal surgery, and operative findings were similar in both groups. There were two conversions to open appendicectomy in the laparoscopic group. No postoperative mortality occurred in either group. The mean operative time was 40 minutes for the laparoscopic group and 35 minutes for the open group. The laparoscopic group had a relatively prolonged mean operative time (p = 0.01) and shorter hospital stay when compared with the open group. Eight patients (13.1%) in the open group developed minor wound infections compared to 2 (4.34%) patients that developed port site infection in laparoscopic group. Conclusion: The laparoscopic technique is a safe and effective approach to appendicectomy. With the application of endosuturing, this technique is more cost effective as well. When performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, the laparoscopic technique results in significantly shorter postoperative convalescence and a prompt recovery.

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