Our Summary

This study looked at whether there were any differences in the outcomes of two types of surgery for acute appendicitis in children: laparoscopic (minimally invasive using a camera) and open appendectomies (traditional surgery). The researchers used data from a large Japanese surgical database from 2015, which included information on 4489 appendectomies. They looked at the rates of complications within 30 days after the surgery and the length of hospital stay.

The study found that just over 70% of these surgeries were performed laparoscopically. Complications within 30 days after surgery were reported in 5.5% of cases. However, the researchers found no significant differences between the two types of surgery in terms of complication rates or length of hospital stay. This was also the case when they looked specifically at complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis cases.

In simple terms, the study suggests that both laparoscopic and open appendectomies are similarly safe and effective for treating acute appendicitis in children.

FAQs

  1. What were the two types of surgeries for acute appendicitis in children that the study compared?
  2. What were the findings of the study in terms of complication rates and length of hospital stay for both types of surgeries?
  3. What does the study suggest about the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic and open appendectomies in treating acute appendicitis in children?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that both laparoscopic and open appendectomies are safe and effective options for treating acute appendicitis in children. It is important for the patient to follow their doctor’s recommendations and post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. It is also important to contact their doctor if they experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for appendectomy include those with acute appendicitis, which is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, patients may also have a history of recurrent appendicitis or chronic appendicitis, which may warrant surgical removal of the appendix. Additionally, patients with complications of appendicitis, such as a ruptured appendix or abscess formation, may also require an appendectomy. Overall, the decision to recommend appendectomy is based on the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and the severity of their condition.

Timeline

Before the appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  2. Patient visits a doctor or emergency room for evaluation and diagnosis.
  3. Diagnostic tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies (CT scan or ultrasound) are performed to confirm appendicitis.
  4. Surgeon recommends appendectomy as the treatment option.

After the appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes either laparoscopic or open appendectomy surgery.
  2. Recovery period in the hospital typically lasts 1-2 days for uncomplicated cases.
  3. Patient is monitored for complications such as infection, bleeding, or bowel obstruction.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital and instructed on post-operative care, including pain management and wound care.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery progress.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as instructed by the healthcare team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for my specific case?
  2. How experienced are you in performing both types of surgeries?
  3. What is the expected recovery time for each type of surgery?
  4. Will there be any visible scarring after the surgery?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with either type of surgery?
  6. What post-operative care will be required for each type of surgery?
  7. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities?
  8. Are there any specific dietary restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  9. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my appendicitis that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Fujishiro J, Watanabe E, Hirahara N, Terui K, Tomita H, Ishimaru T, Miyata H. Journal: J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Apr;25(4):1036-1044. doi: 10.1007/s11605-020-04544-3. Epub 2020 Mar 3. PMID: 32128682