Comparison of Open and Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Pediatric Population

Introduction: In the era of minimally invasive surgery, changing trends are towards laparoscopic surgery, first introduced in 1983. Now the preferred operation for children with appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with a reduced risk of wound infection, less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay as compared to open appendectomy. Objectives: To compare the outcome of open and laparoscopic appendectomy in children presenting with appendicitis in terms of operative time, postoperative pain, wound infection and hospital stay.

A total of 100 children presenting with acute appendicitis were included in this study, In group A, patients were undergone laparoscopic appendectomy. In group B, patients were undergone open appendectomy. During surgery, operative time was noted. After surgery, patients were shifted to surgical wards and were followed-up there till discharge. Patients were followed regularly by the researcher for mean post-operative pain at 24 hours. At discharge, hospital stay was noted. Then patients followed up in outpatient department for 10 days for any evidence of wound infection.