A clinical comparison of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for the treatment of complicated appendicitis: historical cohort study

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Patients' Length of Stay Post-appendectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Appendicitis is defined as the appendix's inflammation, which requires an appendectomy for treatment. Obesity is one of the risk factors for post-surgical complications in appendicitis. This study aimed to explore obesity's influence on hospital length of stay among patients with appendicitis in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

The study subjects consisted of both children and adults with appendicitis who were admitted to the hospital during 2021 and 2022. The patients were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) following the WHO criteria: normal weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥10 kg/m2). Data collection was conducted retrospectively by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with appendicitis. The data collection included demographic characteristics of the patients, clinical presentation data, examination data, findings of the diagnostic approaches, management data, and complications after surgery (mainly intra-abdominal abscess formation). Prior to conducting the study, ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Saudi Ministry of Health.

RESULTS

The study included 238 patients who were diagnosed with appendicitis with an age range from 4 to 74 years and a mean (SD) age of 20.24 years (12.69). Based on BMI categories, 174 patients (73.1%) were classified as non-obese (BMI < 25), 53 patients (22.3%) were overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and 11 patients (4.6%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Most patients were presented with fever (51.7%), anorexia (72.7%), and pain in the right lower quadrant (70.2%). According to blood pressure, the mean (SD) of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 117.8 (14.14) and 71.03 (9.89), respectively. All cases underwent abdominal ultrasound; non-visualization of the appendix was the most common finding observed (80.3%). Appendicitis was managed among most patients with appendectomy (89.5%), and open appendectomy was the most frequent surgery performed (73.2%). The mean of hospital length of stay was 1.64 (0.73) days. There was no significant correlation between patients' BMI and hospital length of stay (p = 0.429). The mean hospital length of stay of females (1.76) was higher than that of males (1.53) (p = 0.003). Moreover, a statistically significant mean difference was observed in hospital length of stay between patients managed conservatively (1.96) and those who underwent operative management (1.60 days) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into the effect of obesity on patients with appendicitis who underwent an appendectomy in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The study found that obesity was not a risk factor for a prolonged hospital length of stay after appendectomy. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to explore other factors that may influence the outcomes of appendectomy in patients with appendicitis, such as the impact of obesity on long-term complications and recurrence rates.

A prospective randomized controlled study comparing patient-reported scar evaluation of single-port versus multiport laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes and patient-surveyed scar assessments of single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) with the outcomes of multiport laparoscopic appendectomy (MPLA).

Methods

Between August 2014 and November 2017, the prospective randomized study comprised 98 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis and indicated for surgery. Fifty-one patients had MPLA and 47 patients received SPLA. The primary endpoint was the total score of Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) administered to patients 6 weeks after surgery.

Results

SPLA involved a shorter median operative time than MPLA (47.5 minutes vs. 60.0 minutes, p = 0.02). There were no apparent differences in the time before diet tolerance, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complication. SPLA patients had shorter total incision length (2.0 cm vs. 2.5 cm, p < 0.01) and required fewer analgesics on the day of surgery than MPLA patients (p = 0.011). The PSAQ favored the SPLA approach, revealing significant differences in total score (48 vs. 55, p = 0.026), appearance (15 vs. 18, p = 0.002), and consciousness (8 vs. 10, p = 0.005), while satisfaction with appearance and symptoms scale did not (p = 0.162 and p = 0.690, respectively).

Conclusion

The postoperative scar evaluated by the patient was better with SPLA than with MPLA, and patient satisfaction with the scar was comparable between the two techniques.

Laparoscopic appendectomy, stump closure and endoloops: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the main indications for urgent surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has shown advantages in terms of clinical results and cost-effectiveness, even if there is still controversy about different devices to utilize, especially with regards to the endoloop (EL) vs endostapler (ES) when it comes to stump closure.

AIM

To compare safety and cost-effectiveness of EL vs ES.

METHODS

From a prospectively maintained database, data of 996 consecutive patients treated by LA with a 3 years-follow up in the department of Emergency General Surgery - St Orsola University Hospital, Bologna (Italy) were retrieved. A meta-analysis was performed in terms of surgical complications, in comparison to the international literature published from 1995 to 2021.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis showed no evidence regarding wound infections, abdominal abscesses, and total post-operative complications, in terms of superiority of a surgical technique for the stump closure in LA.

CONCLUSION

Even when AA is complicated, the routine use of EL is safe in most patients.

Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy in the treatment of acute appendicitis

Background

This paper compares the postoperative recovery of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA), aiming to determine the optimal diagnosis and treatment plan for appendectomy.

Methods

Related literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang databases. Articles on LA and OA for AA published between 2010 and 2021 were selected to extract data. Besides, Stata16.0 was used for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 777 articles were retrieved, and 16 of them were finally selected. Totally, 1251 patients underwent LA, while 898 patients received OA. According to the results of meta-analysis, LA was associated with lower incidence of adverse reactions [OR = 0.257, 95% CI (0.162, 0.408), P < 0.001], shorter operation time (SMD = − 1.802, 95% CI − 2.435, − 1.169; P < 0.001) and hospitalization (SMD = − 1.184, 95% CI − 1.512, − 0.856; P < 0.001). In addition, compared with the OA group, LA was found with less intraoperative blood loss (SMD = − 3.650, 95% CI − 5.088, − 2.212; P < 0.001) and shorter recovery time of gastrointestinal function (SMD = − 3.010, 95% CI − 3.816, − 2.203; P < 0.001). Aside from all these, the counts of leukocyte (SMD = − 0.432, 95% CI: − 0.775, − 0.089; P = 0.013), neutrophil (SMD = − 1.346, 95% CI − 2.560, − 0.133; P = 0.030), and C-reactive protein (SMD = − 2.391, 95% CI − 3.901, − 0.882; P = 0.002) all decreased in a significant manner after LA.

Conclusion

Compared with OA, LA boasts the advantages of less adverse reactions, shorter operation time and hospitalization, fewer complications, and lower inflammatory response, evidencing its safety and feasibility of applying in the treatment of AA.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy Translates into Less Analgesics and Faster Return to Work in Asia

Background:

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is claimed to require less analgesic and allow for a faster return to work. This study examines whether these benefits hold true in Asian patient populations.

Methods:

A retrospective audit of emergency appendectomies over one year was conducted to study outcomes of postoperative pain, length of stay (LOS), duration of analgesia, and hospitalization leave (HL). A telephone questionnaire evaluated post-discharge analgesic intake, residual symptoms at follow-up, adequacy of HL and opinion on teleconsult reviews.

Results:

Of the 201 patients, 187 (93%) underwent LA. Presurgery symptoms were significantly longer in the open appendectomy (OA) group (mean: OA 3.79, LA 1.81 days; p = 0.026) which also had a higher frequency of perforation (71.4%). LA patients reported less pain compared to OA (LA 3.60 vs. OA 4.14; p = 0.068) but were prescribed the same 2 weeks of analgesics as OA. LOS was significantly less for LA (mean LA 3.09, OA 6.93 days; p = 0.006). Mean HL for LA and OA were 17.9 and 21.8 days respectively (p = 0.05). Nearly 83% patients did not complete the prescribed course of analgesics and 47% patients felt that HL was more than adequate. Seventy-five percent of patients were asymptomatic at hospital follow-up and nearly 41% agreed to teleconsult reviews.

Conclusion:

Majority of LA patients do not need 2 weeks of analgesics and their HL can be shortened for faster return to work thereby realizing the true benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Selected cases can be offered postoperative teleconsultation.

Two-Year Experiences of 500 Appendectomies in Lahore General Hospital, Lahore

Introduction

Acute appendicitis is a leading cause of abdominal conditions in emergency departments. Evidence from research studies has indicated the efficacies of surgical procedures involving appendectomies. However, in Pakistan, there is a paucity of information regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and surgical management of acute appendicitis.

Objective

This paper aims to report the epidemiologic data and findings of surgical management of acute appendicitis in Lahore General Hospital (LGH). The data was based on our two-year experiences of appendectomies in the hospital.

Materials and methodology

Data were collected retrospectively. The patients underwent appendectomies performed by the team of surgeons of Surgical Unit 1 of LGH in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department from July 2019 to October 2021.

Results

The total number of patients was 506, and the mean age was 26.8. Males (67.29%) and young adults aged 18-34 years were at higher risk of appendicitis. Compared to other surgical procedures performed, open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy operative times were significantly shorter. Histopathology of all the cases showed acute inflammation of the appendix.

Discussion

Similar to findings from other research studies, the operative time of open appendectomies was shorter (70.6 minutes) in the hospital than the operative time of laparoscopic appendectomies (77 minutes). However, the overall operative times were longer than the operative times reported in some other research studies. Also, contrary to other research findings, open appendectomy (1.22 days) was associated with a longer length of hospital stay than laparoscopic appendectomy (≈1 day). Simple acute appendicitis was the most predominant operation findings (289, 57.1%).

Conclusion

Compared to other hospitals, the shorter hospital stays/recovery time indicated the high surgical skill of performing open and laparoscopic appendectomies in Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Mastering the learning curve significantly reduces operative time for laparoscopic treatment of complicated appendicitis

Laparoscopic appendectomy is the preferred operative method for acute appendicitistreatment. In terms of complicated appendicitis it can be effective in hands of an experiencedlaparoscopist that overwhelmed the learning curve for the method. Aim: Тhis retrospectivestudy examines whether the operative time for laparoscopic appendectomy for complicatedappendicitis is shortened after mastering the learning curve. Material and methods: A totalnumber of 196 patients were operated for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, of whom 77were diagnosed with complicated appendicitis. They were subsequently divided in two groups(laparoscopic and open). Operative time in both groups was measured and the conversionand postoperative complications were noted. Results: Conversion rate was 2.3%. Operativetime was shorter in the laparoscopic group (67.4 ± 22.9 vs. 77.9 ± 17.9 minutes; p = 0.033).Overall postoperative morbidity was 25.97% with wound infection present only in the opengroup (p = 0.018). Intraabdominal abscess occurred in one patient from the laparoscopicgroup (0.38%). Length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (4.3 ± 2.2 vs. 5.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.0052).  

Laparoscopic Partial Cecal Resection With an Endoscopic Linear Stapler in Complicated Appendicitis: A Single Center Experiences

Introduction

It can be challenging to perform an appendectomy laparoscopically in patients with complicated appendicitis with severe inflammation or perforation of the appendix base. This study aimed to introduce a simple alternative surgical treatment that can be used safely in difficult appendectomy cases.

Case presentation

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 14 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial resection of the cecum with a linear stapler between January 2015 and December 2016 in our hospital. Fourteen patients were included in this study, and no surgical complications were observed. Enteral feeding was resumed on the third or fourth postoperative day, and the average length of hospital stay was 7.6 days (range, 5 to 12 days).

Conclusion

The results suggest that laparoscopic partial cecal resection with an endostapler is a safe, simple surgical procedure that can be a good alternative in patients with complicated appendicitis.

Laparoscopy in Emergency: Why Not? Advantages of Laparoscopy in Major Emergency: A Review

A laparoscopic approach is suggested with the highest grade of recommendation for acute cholecystitis, perforated gastroduodenal ulcers, acute appendicitis, gynaecological disorders, and non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP). To date, the main qualities of laparoscopy for these acute surgical scenarios are clearly stated: quicker surgery, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. For the remaining surgical emergencies, as well as for abdominal trauma, the role of laparoscopy is still a matter of debate. Patients might benefit from a laparoscopic approach only if performed by experienced teams and surgeons which guarantee a high standard of care. More precisely, laparoscopy can limit damage to the tissue and could be effective for the reduction of the overall amount of cell debris, which is a result of the intensity with which the immune system reacts to the injury and the following symptomatology. In fact, these fragments act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs, as well as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), are recognised by both surface and intracellular receptors of the immune cells and activate the cascade which, in critically ill surgical patients, is responsible for a deranged response. This may result in the development of progressive and multiple organ dysfunctions, manifesting with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), coagulopathy, liver dysfunction and renal failure. In conclusion, none of the emergency surgical scenarios preclude laparoscopy, provided that the surgical tactic could ensure sufficient cleaning of the abdomen in addition to resolving the initial tissue damage caused by the “trauma”.

Is laparoscopic approach still a risk factor for postappendectomy intra-abdominal abscess?

BACKGROUND

The impact of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) on the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) remains controversial. We aimed to identify risk factors for postappendectomy IAA and assess the impact of appendectomy approach in postoperative morbidity.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study including consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and perioperative variables were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses was performed to detect independent risk factors for IAA. Comparison of LA and open appendectomy was conducted, and propensity score model (PSM) was used to overcome differences between groups. Independent risk factors for IAA were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses in the PSM cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 532 appendectomies were included. The median age was 35 years. Three hundred two patients (56.7%) underwent LA. The most frequent operative finding was American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade 1 appendicitis in 303 patients (57%). Peritonitis was found in 109 patients (20.5%). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 14.4% and 0%, respectively. Intra-abdominal abscess rate was 6.2%. An AAST grade of ≥2, a preoperative C-reactive protein level of >100 mg/dL, and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent risk factors for IAA in the multivariate analysis. Comparing LA and open appendectomy, there were no differences in IAA rates. After PSM, LA showed lower morbidity and shorter hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe approach and not related to a higher risk of IAA. Patients with an AAST grade of ≥2, a preoperative C-reactive protein level of >100, and diabetes mellitus have higher risk for postappendectomy IAA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management, level IV.

A systematic review on the cost evaluation of two different laparoscopic surgical techniques among 996 appendectomies from a single center

Acute appendicitis is one of the main indications for urgent surgery representing a high-volume procedure worldwide. The current spending review in Italy (and not only in this country) affects the health service and warrants care regarding the use of different surgical devices. The aim of our study is to perform a cost evaluation, comparing the use of endoloops and staplers in complicated acute appendicitis (phlegmonous and gangrenous), taking into consideration the cost of the device in relation to the management of any associated postoperative complications. We retrospectively evaluated 996 laparoscopic appendectomies of adult patients performed in the Emergency General Surgery-St. Orsola University Hospital in Bologna (Italy). Surgical procedures together with the related choice of using endoloops or staplers were performed by attending surgeons or resident surgeons supervised by a tutor. A systematic review was performed to compare our outcomes with those reported in the literature. In our experience, the routine use of endoloop leads to a real estimated saving of 375€ for each performed laparoscopic appendectomy, even considering post-operative complications. Comparing endoloop and stapler groups, the total number of complications is significantly lower in the endoloop group. Our systematic review confirmed these findings even if the superiority of one technique has not been proved yet. Our analysis shows that the routine use of endoloop is safe in most patients affected by acute appendicitis, even when complicated, and it is a cost-effective device even when taking into consideration extra costs for potential post-operative complications.