title: Long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of open versus laparoscopic appendicectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcome following open versus laparoscopic appendicectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 105 patients with suspected acute appendicitis were randomized to LA (51) or OA (54) between 1997 and 1999 at one hospital. Perioperative factors and follow-up data from the outpatient clinic were recorded. Information about symptoms and overall satisfaction was obtained by telephone interview. In addition, appendicectomy data for 2008 were analysed retrospectively for comparison in a contemporary setting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data from 52 patients who had OA and 47 who had LA were analysed. OA was performed mostly by trainees, but LA was more likely to be undertaken by a consultant. The open procedure was quicker than the laparoscopic operation in the trial period (median 38 versus 65 min respectively; P < 0.001), but the difference was only 10 min in 2008. The OA group returned to work later than the LA group (median 13 versus 8 days; P = 0.013) and had more complications (22 versus 6; P = 0.014). Only one patient (OA) had a reoperation, owing to abdominal adhesions. Among 76 patients available for telephone interview, satisfaction scores were marginally higher for LA than OA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LA has some advantages compared with an open approach.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT00908804 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, North Karelia Central Hospital, Joensuu, Finland. sanna.kouhia@pkssk.fi
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Kouhia
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Heiskanen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huttunen
authors.forename: H I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Ahtola
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Kiviniemi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hakala
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult