title: Laparoscopic versus conventional appendectomy in children.
abstract: Over a period of 6 months, 48 children who underwent conventional appendectomy (CA) were compared to 34 children who had laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for acute and recurrent subacute appendicitis. Their ages ranged from 4 to 12 years (mean 8). LA took significantly longer, 76 min, versus 50 min for CA. Less than 2 days' hospitalization was required in 95% of LA cases and 45% of CA cases. Time to return to normal activity averaged 7 days for LA and 12 days for CA (P < 0.001). Wound complications were fewer and the cosmetic appearance was most satisfactory in LA patients. LA is a safe operation that has the advantage of being exploratory, with shorter hospitalization time, early ambulation, and superior cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Surgery Unit, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hay
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence