Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children is it Equal or Superior To Open Appendectomy (single center experience)

Introduction: Appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions encountered by pediatric surgeons. With evolution of minimally invasive surgery, the operative approach toward acute appendicitis has shifted from a traditional open approach to a multiport laparoscopic technique. Several studies have demonstrated equivalent or improved outcomes for patients in terms of shorter hospitalization, less post operative pain and fewer complications(1). Aim of the work: The aim of the work is to study that if laparoscopic appendectomy in children can be a safe alternative to open appendectomy in case of acute appendicitis? Patients and methods: One hundred twenty patients with acute appendicitis (complicated and non complicated) are retrospectively studied in the period between Jan 2012 to Jan 2013, in pediatric surgery unit in Zagazig University Hospitals. Sixty five patients were subjected to laparoscopic appendectomy and fifty five patients were subjected to open appendectomy, operative and postoperative analysis was done. Results: The study was included 120 patients with acute appendicitis, 100 patients with non complicated appendicitis, 20 patients with complicated appendicitis (15 patients with gangrenous appendicitis and 5 patients with perforated appendicitis).laparoscopic appendectomy was done for 65 patients, from which 60 patients with non complicated appendicitis and 5 patients with complicated appendicitis and 2 patients was converted from laparoscopic to open and their results remain in the laparoscopic group. 55 patients were subjected to open appendectomy. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be a safe alternative to open appendectomy in children with non complicated acute appendicitis.