Our Summary

This research paper compares two surgical procedures used to treat acute appendicitis: mini-incision open appendectomy (MOA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The study included 102 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30, who were operated on by the same surgeon between July 2018 and February 2020. Half of the patients underwent the MOA procedure and the other half had the LA procedure.

The study found that the MOA procedure took less time, caused less pain after the operation, and was less expensive than the LA procedure. However, there was no significant difference between the two procedures in terms of how long patients stayed in the hospital after surgery and the rate of infections after surgery.

The conclusion of the study is that the MOA procedure is a reliable option for patients with acute appendicitis and a BMI of less than 30. It is also more advantageous than the LA procedure in terms of operation time, postoperative pain, and cost. This could be especially beneficial for rural hospitals that may not have enough laparoscopic equipment.

FAQs

  1. What were the two surgical procedures compared in the study for treating acute appendicitis?
  2. What were the main findings of the study comparing mini-incision open appendectomy (MOA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA)?
  3. Who could potentially benefit most from the MOA procedure according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing an appendectomy to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the incision area clean and dry, taking prescribed pain medication as directed, and gradually resuming normal activities as recommended by the surgeon. Additionally, the doctor may recommend eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated to aid in the healing process. It is important for the patient to follow up with their surgeon for any concerns or complications that may arise after the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for an appendectomy are those who have been diagnosed with acute appendicitis, a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen. Symptoms of acute appendicitis include sudden and severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

In this study, the patients who underwent either the MOA or LA procedure had a BMI of less than 30. This suggests that patients who are not severely overweight or obese may be good candidates for either surgical procedure. Additionally, patients who are not at high risk for complications during surgery, such as those with underlying medical conditions or a history of previous abdominal surgeries, may also be recommended for an appendectomy.

Overall, the decision to recommend an appendectomy for a patient with acute appendicitis will depend on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s recommendation based on the specific case.

Timeline

Before the appendectomy:

  1. Patient experiences abdominal pain, often starting around the belly button and moving to the lower right side of the abdomen.
  2. Patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever.
  3. Patient visits a doctor or emergency room for evaluation.
  4. Doctor performs physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to diagnose appendicitis.
  5. If appendicitis is confirmed, patient is scheduled for surgery.

After the appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes either MOA or LA procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours post-surgery.
  3. Patient is given pain medication and instructions for post-operative care.
  4. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for observation, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as advised by the surgeon.
  6. Patient follows up with the surgeon 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 potential complications associated with both the mini-incision open appendectomy (MOA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) procedures?
  2. How long is the recovery time for each procedure? Will I need to take time off work or limit my activities during recovery?
  3. How will pain be managed after the surgery? Will I be prescribed pain medication?
  4. What are the differences in cost between the MOA and LA procedures, and will my insurance cover either option?
  5. How experienced is the surgeon in performing both types of procedures, and what is their success rate with each?
  6. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may make one procedure more suitable for me than the other?
  7. Will there be any noticeable scarring after the surgery, and if so, how can I minimize its appearance?
  8. What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery, and how long will it take for me to fully recover?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for acute appendicitis that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Akıncı O, Abdulrahman SMFA, Güngör Ö. Journal: Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2021 May;27(3):310-314. doi: 10.14744/tjtes.2020.83023. PMID: 33884604