Postoperative bowel obstruction after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in children: a 15-year experience.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to determine and evaluate the incidence of postoperative bowel obstruction (PBO) after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in children.


METHODS
The medical files of children who have undergone an appendectomy, either via the laparoscopic or open approach, at our department from 1992 until 2007 were reviewed. Collected data included age at appendectomy, initial surgical approach, time interval to PBO, and type of definitive treatment. The incidences of PBO after laparoscopic and open appendectomy were compared with the chi(2) analysis.


RESULTS
From the 1684 children who were found, 1371 had nonperforated appendicitis and 313 had perforated appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 954 patients of the nonperforated group and in 221 of the perforated group. Open appendectomy was performed in 417 and 92 patients of the 2 groups, respectively. Overall, the incidence of PBO development was 2.2%. In the laparoscopic appendectomy population, a significantly low incidence of 1.19% of PBO development was detected, compared with the 4.51% of the open appendectomy group (P < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic appendectomy diminishes the potential of PBO development. The overall incidence of PBO is not related to the severity of the disease but only to the initial operative approach.
Kaselas
Christos
C
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre, 67098 Strasbourg Cedex, France. xkaselas@otenet.gr
Molinaro
Francesco
F
Lacreuse
Isabelle
I
Becmeur
François
F
D000293:Adolescent; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome