Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that compared two surgical techniques used for treating acute appendicitis in children: Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LPSA) and Trans-Umbilical Laparoscopic Assisted Appendicectomy (TULAA). The study, which included 181 patients and lasted from 2019 to 2020, looked at factors like the length of the operation, the number of times the surgical approach had to be switched, the time it took to prepare the patients for surgery, and the length of hospital stay.

The results showed that the average operation time was shorter for TULAA than for LPSA. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications between the two techniques, but there were more instances where the surgery had to be switched from one technique to the other in the LPSA group, which was a significant difference.

The researchers concluded that both techniques yielded similar results overall, but TULAA was faster. They suggest that the choice between LPSA and TULAA should be based on the surgeon’s experience and comfort level with laparoscopic surgery. They found that LPSA was a good technique for helping surgical residents improve their laparoscopic skills.

FAQs

  1. What are the two procedures compared in the study for the treatment of acute appendicitis?
  2. What were the main factors compared between the Laparoscopic Appendectomy and the Trans-Umbilical Laparoscopic Assisted Appendicectomy groups in this study?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in complication rates or conversion rates between the two surgical techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about appendectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity, and keeping the surgical incision clean and dry to prevent infection. It is also important to follow up with your doctor for any concerns or complications that may arise during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients with acute appendicitis are typically recommended for appendectomy. In this study, both Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LPSA) and Trans-Umbilical Laparoscopic Assisted Appendicectomy (TULAA) were compared as treatment options for acute appendicitis in pediatric patients. The results showed that both techniques were effective in treating acute appendicitis, with TULAA having a significantly shorter operating time. The choice between LPSA and TULAA depends on the surgeon’s experience and personal laparoscopic learning curve. Overall, both techniques showed similar results in terms of complications and outcomes.

Timeline

  • Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Patient is scheduled for appendectomy surgery
  • Before surgery, patient is instructed to fast and may be given antibiotics
  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic appendectomy surgery, which may take around 70.9 minutes for LPSA and 56.4 minutes for TULAA group
  • Post-surgery, patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort at the incision site
  • Patient is monitored for complications such as infection or internal bleeding
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital after a few days of recovery
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative care and evaluation of recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LPSA) and Trans-Umbilical Laparoscopic Assisted Appendicectomy (TULAA)?

  2. How long is the typical operative time for each procedure?

  3. How many conversions to open surgery have you experienced with each procedure?

  4. How long does it typically take for canalization to occur after the surgery with each procedure?

  5. What is the average hospital stay for patients undergoing each procedure?

  6. What are the potential complications associated with each procedure?

  7. What factors should be considered when deciding between LPSA and TULAA for an appendectomy?

  8. What is your experience with performing these procedures, and how many have you done in the past?

  9. How does the choice of procedure affect the overall recovery and long-term outcomes for patients?

  10. Are there any additional considerations or information I should know about before undergoing an appendectomy with either technique?

Reference

Authors: Bindi E, Nino F, Pierangeli F, Ilari M, Bollettini T, Chiarella E, Mariscoli F, Gentilucci G, Cruccetti A, Cobellis G. Journal: Pediatr Med Chir. 2023 Apr 27;45(1). doi: 10.4081/pmc.2023.306. PMID: 37114377