title: Is laparoscopic better than open appendectomy?
abstract: Laparoscopic appendectomy is becoming increasingly popular as surgeons strive to manage surgical problems via minimally invasive techniques. We reviewed our early experience in 38 patients with laparoscopic appendectomy and compared it to open appendectomies done during the same time period. We found no difference in hospital costs, stay, or wound infection rate. There was a significant difference in OR time: the laparoscopic approach took longer. We conclude that this new approach is not clearly superior to open appendectomy despite theoretical advantages. Newer instruments and further studies are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Apelgren
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Molnar
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kisala
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology