J Korean Surg Soc.  2009 Feb;76(2):90-93. 10.4174/jkss.2009.76.2.90.

A Comparative Study about Complications of Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children and Adults

• Bae SY
• Yun IJ
• Lee KY
• Seong MK
• Yoo YB
• Chang SH
• Kim JS

• KMID: 2211261
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2009.76.2.90

Abstract

PURPOSE
In recent studies, laparoscopic appendectomy has been widely performed for not only uncomplicated appendicitis but also perforated appendicitis. But, in children, the value of laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis is not yet established. Our retrospective study is to evaluate the safety of laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis in children.
METHODS
We reviewed electronic medical records of a total of 595 patients (95 children and 500 adults), who had been operated upon for acute appendicitis, from August 2005 to February 2007. Those patients were divided into two groups; children and adults. Demographic data, duration of pain, diagnostic methods, length of stay, operative time, time under anesthetic, time to diet, perforation rate, and complication rates were analyzed.
RESULTS
In eight adult patients, laparoscopic surgery was converted to open laparatomy. There was no significant difference in perforation rates (children 20.0% vs. adults 18.1%, P=0.714). However, postoperative complication rates were significantly higher in the children group (7.4%) compared to the adult group (2.2%).
CONCLUSION
We noted that laparoscopic appendectomy should be applied cautiously, especially in pediatric groups due to the relatively high complication rate. However, we need to see more high-quality randomized trials.

Keyword

Appendicitis; Laparoscopy; Perforation; Complications

MeSH Terms

Adult
Appendectomy
Appendicitis
Child
Diet
Electronic Health Records
Humans
Laparoscopy
Length of Stay
Operative Time
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies

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