Our Summary

This study looked at two different surgical methods for treating acute appendicitis: mini-incision open appendectomy (MOA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). It aimed to compare these two methods in terms of surgery time, post-surgery pain, length of hospital stay, post-surgery infections, and cost. The study included 102 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30, who were operated on between July 2018 and February 2020. Half of the patients had the MOA procedure, and half had the LA procedure.

The results showed that the MOA method took less time, caused less pain 12 and 24 hours after surgery, and was less expensive than the LA method. However, there was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of hospital stay length and post-surgery infections.

The conclusion was that for patients with acute appendicitis and a BMI of less than 30, the MOA method is a reliable alternative to the LA method. It has the advantages of being quicker, causing less post-surgery pain, and being more cost-effective.

FAQs

  1. What were the two surgical methods compared in the study for treating acute appendicitis?
  2. How did the MOA method and the LA method compare in terms of surgery time, post-surgery pain, and cost?
  3. According to the study, which surgical method is considered a reliable alternative for patients with acute appendicitis and a BMI of less than 30?

Doctor’s Tip

However, it’s important to discuss with your doctor which surgical method is best for you based on your individual health needs and circumstances. Remember to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

Suitable For

The study does not specifically recommend laparoscopic appendectomy for any particular type of patients. However, given that the study only included patients with a BMI of less than 30, it could be inferred that both MOA and LA methods might be suitable for these patients. Further research might be necessary to determine the most suitable method for patients with a BMI of 30 or more, or with other specific characteristics.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic appendectomy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms of acute appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan) to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
  3. Surgeon recommends laparoscopic appendectomy as the treatment option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including fasting and bowel preparation.

After laparoscopic appendectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic surgery, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera and specialized instruments to remove the appendix.
  2. Surgery time is shorter for laparoscopic appendectomy compared to open appendectomy.
  3. Patient experiences less post-surgery pain at 12 and 24 hours after surgery.
  4. Patient’s hospital stay length is similar for both laparoscopic and open appendectomy.
  5. Patient is monitored for any post-surgery infections, with no significant difference found between the two methods.
  6. Patient is discharged from the hospital and advised on post-operative care and follow-up appointments.
  7. Patient recovers at home and gradually resumes normal activities as directed by the surgeon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  3. Will I have any dietary restrictions or activity limitations after the surgery?
  4. What pain management options will be available to me during and after the procedure?
  5. How soon can I expect to return to work or normal activities after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to schedule any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing laparoscopic appendectomies?
  9. Are there any specific factors in my medical history that may impact the success of a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my case, and how do they compare to a laparoscopic appendectomy?

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