Our Summary

This study looked at the results of two types of surgery for acute appendicitis in children - one where a small camera (laparoscope) is used to see inside the body (laparoscopic) and the other where a larger incision is made (open). They looked at data from children who had one of these surgeries over six years and compared things like complications after surgery, how long the surgery took, and how long the kids stayed in the hospital afterward. They also asked about how the kids felt right after surgery and a month later.

They found that kids who had the laparoscopic surgery had fewer serious complications and stayed in the hospital for a shorter time. The laparoscopic surgery did take longer to perform, but the kids reported less pain afterward and felt better a month later compared to those who had the open surgery.

So, the study suggests that using a laparoscopic technique might be a safer choice for acute appendicitis surgery in children.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of surgery for acute appendicitis in children that the study looked at?
  2. What were the findings of the study in terms of complications, hospital stay duration, and post-surgery pain for the two types of surgery?
  3. Based on the study, which type of surgery might be a safer choice for acute appendicitis in children?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that opting for a laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis may result in fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, and less post-operative pain compared to an open surgery. It may also lead to a quicker recovery and improved overall outcomes. It’s important to discuss the best surgical approach with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option for your individual case.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for an appendectomy are those who have been diagnosed with acute appendicitis. In this study specifically, the focus was on children with acute appendicitis. However, appendectomy is also commonly recommended for adults with acute appendicitis or those with a history of recurrent appendicitis. Other patients who may be recommended for an appendectomy include those with complicated appendicitis, such as perforated appendicitis or abscess formation. Ultimately, the decision to recommend an appendectomy will be made by a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s condition and medical history.

Timeline

Before the appendectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  • Patient goes to the hospital or doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies are done to confirm appendicitis.
  • Surgery is recommended as the treatment for appendicitis.

After the appendectomy:

  • Patient undergoes either laparoscopic or open appendectomy surgery.
  • Surgery typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to perform.
  • Patient stays in the hospital for 1-2 days for observation and recovery.
  • Patient may experience pain, soreness, and discomfort at the incision site.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and advised on post-operative care, such as wound care and medication management.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as they recover.
  • Patient follows up with their doctor for a post-operative check-up to ensure proper healing and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about appendectomy include:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of both laparoscopic and open surgery for appendicitis?
  2. How long will the surgery take and how long will I need to stay in the hospital afterward?
  3. What kind of pain management options will be available to me after the surgery?
  4. What kind of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow during my recovery?
  6. Will there be any long-term effects or complications from having the surgery?
  7. How soon can I return to my normal activities and exercise routine after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or options for managing appendicitis?
  9. What should I do if I experience any complications or unusual symptoms after the surgery?
  10. How often do you perform appendectomies and what is your experience with both laparoscopic and open techniques?

Reference

Authors: Liu Y, Cui Z, Zhang R. Journal: Indian Pediatr. 2017 Nov 15;54(11):938-941. doi: 10.1007/s13312-017-1186-z. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28849763