Laparoscopic versus open surgical exploration in premenopausal women with suspected acute appendicitis
Date
2003
Authors
Bruwer F.
Coetzer M.
Warren B.L.
Van Iddekinge B.
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Abstract
Objectives. To assess the utility of laparoscopic versus conventional surgical exploration in premenopausal women with suspected acute appendicitis. Method. Female patients aged 15-45 years in whom an independent decision to undertake surgical exploration had been made, were randomised to laparoscopic or open procedures. Comparison of patient groups was conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Results. Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic exploration, with 1 procedure requiring conversion to lower midline laparotomy. Open surgical exploration was performed primarily in 16 patients. Postoperative complications (3 patients versus 1 patient) and diagnostic errors (5 patients versus 1 patient) were more frequent in patients undergoing open surgical procedures. Laparoscopic procedures tended to be of longer duration than open operations, but were generally associated with slightly more favourable indices of postoperative recovery (analgesic requirement, postoperative hospitalisation, return to normal activity, return to work). In patients found not to have acute appendicitis, the difference in mean postoperative hospitalisation following laparoscopic intervention (2.6 days) and conventional surgery (3.4 days) approached statistical significance (p < 0.1). Conclusions. Laparoscopy may carry some diagnostic advantage over open surgery in premenopausal women with suspected acute appendicitis. Patients found not to have acute appendicitis have a marginally shorter period of hospitalisation after laparoscopic intervention. The outcome following laparoscopic appendicectomy for confirmed acute appendicitis is at least equivalent to that achieved with conventional appendicectomy. Laparoscopic exploration is an acceptable option in premenopausal women requiring surgery for suspected acute appendicitis.
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Keywords
acute appendicitis, acute disease, adolescent, adult, appendectomy, appendicitis, article, clinical article, clinical trial, comparative study, controlled clinical trial, controlled study, female, hospitalization, human, intermethod comparison, laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopy, laparotomy, medical decision making, methodology, nonparametric test, postoperative analgesia, postoperative complication, premenopause, prospective study, randomized controlled trial, surgical technique, treatment outcome, Acute Disease, Adolescent, Adult, Appendectomy, Appendicitis, Female, Humans, Laparoscopy, Premenopause, Prospective Studies, Statistics, Nonparametric, Treatment Outcome
Citation
South African Journal of Surgery
41
4
41
4