Appendicitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Appendicitis, including details on symptoms, surgery, causes, treatment.

Laparoscopic appendectomy in the elderly.

Wang YC, Yang HR, Chung PK, Jeng LB, Chen RJ

Department of Surgery, Trauma and Emergency Center, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open appendectomy among the elderly. METHODS: Data on 53 elderly patients with a diagnosis of suspected appendicitis were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients, 24 had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and 29 had undergone open appendectomy (OA). The indications for either method were based on the patient's choice. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in operative time was found between the LA (70 +/- 28 min) and OA (60 +/- 22 min) groups. There was no statistically significant difference in lengths of hospital stay between the LA (4.8 +/- 3.0 days) and OA (5.0 +/- 3.1 days) groups, and there was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative analgesic doses between the LA (0.5 +/- 0.3 doses) and OA (1.7 +/- 1.5 doses) groups. No conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery was necessary, and no intraabdominal abscesses developed. CONCLUSION: According to this study, LA is as safe and effective as OA for the elderly. Furthermore, it significantly reduces postoperative wound pain.

Published 1 June 2006 in Surg Endosc, 20(6): 887-9.
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