Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effectiveness and safety of two types of surgery for children with acute appendicitis: laparoscopic appendectomy (a minimally invasive surgery using a camera) and open appendectomy (traditional surgery). The study looked at the records of children who underwent these surgeries over six years and examined post-surgery complications, how long the operation took, and how long the children stayed in the hospital after the operation. They also looked at the children’s quality of life right after the surgery and one month later.

The study found that children who had the laparoscopic surgery had less major complications and a shorter hospital stay than those who had traditional surgery. However, the laparoscopic surgery took longer to perform. There was no significant difference in minor complications and hospital costs between the two groups.

The children who had laparoscopic surgery reported less pain after surgery and a better quality of life one month later.

In conclusion, the study suggests that laparoscopic surgery is a safer option for children with acute appendicitis.

FAQs

  1. Is laparoscopic appendectomy safer for children than open appendectomy?
  2. How does the postoperative hospital stay compare between children who undergo laparoscopic appendectomy and those who have an open appendectomy?
  3. Does the laparoscopic appendectomy technique result in less postoperative pain and a higher quality of life for children compared to the open appendectomy technique?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic appendectomy is to expect a shorter postoperative hospital stay and less postoperative pain compared to open appendectomy. It is also important to follow postoperative care instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic appendectomy include children under the age of 18 with acute appendicitis. This study suggests that laparoscopic appendectomy is safer and results in lower rates of major complications, shorter postoperative hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and higher quality of life compared to open appendectomy in children. Therefore, children with acute appendicitis may benefit from undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure.

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 and diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and imaging studies, to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
  3. Surgical team discusses treatment options with the patient, including the option of laparoscopic appendectomy.
  4. Patient consents to undergo laparoscopic appendectomy procedure.

After laparoscopic appendectomy:

  1. Patient is prepped for surgery and undergoes laparoscopic appendectomy procedure under general anesthesia.
  2. Surgery typically lasts longer than open appendectomy due to the nature of the minimally invasive technique.
  3. Patient experiences less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay compared to open appendectomy patients.
  4. Patient is monitored for postoperative complications, with a lower incidence of major complications in the laparoscopic group.
  5. Patient’s quality of life is assessed immediately and one month postoperatively, with higher reported quality of life in the laparoscopic group.
  6. Patient follows up with healthcare provider for postoperative care and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy compared to open appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children?
  2. What is the recovery time like after a laparoscopic appendectomy compared to an open appendectomy?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with laparoscopic appendectomy that I should be aware of?
  4. How long does the surgery typically take and what is the expected length of hospital stay after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  5. Will there be any scarring or long-term effects from the laparoscopic procedure?
  6. How soon after surgery can I resume normal activities or exercise?
  7. Will there be any dietary restrictions or special care instructions following a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  8. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments or check-ups after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for acute appendicitis in children that I should consider before opting for a laparoscopic appendectomy?

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