Laparoscopic appendectomy is superior to open appendectomy in obese patients.
BACKGROUND
There are minimal data comparing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in obese patients.


METHODS
We reviewed consecutive adult patients from 2003 to 2005 who underwent an appendectomy at a University-affiliated teaching hospital. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. Outcome measures included length of stay, surgical times, intra-abdominal abscesses, wound infections, and hospital charges.


RESULTS
There were 116 patients with a mean body mass index of 35. Eighty-five patients underwent LA, 12 were converted to open, 4 of 12 (31%) were perforated. Thirty-one patients underwent OA. Overall, 21 (18%) were perforated. Length of stay for LA was better, 3.4 days versus 5.5 days for OA (P = .02), and wound closure rate was better, 90% for LA versus 68% for OA (P < .01). Other outcome measures were equivalent.


CONCLUSIONS
LA is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer open wounds, and equivalent hospital charges and intra-abdominal abscess rates; and should be considered the procedure of choice for obese patients with appendicitis.
Corneille
Michael G
MG
Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. corneille@uthscsa.edu
Steigelman
Megan B
MB
Myers
John G
JG
Jundt
Jason
J
Dent
Daniel L
DL
Lopez
Peter P
PP
Cohn
Stephen M
SM
Stewart
Ronald M
RM
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D017722:Hospital Charges; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome