Our Summary

This research compares two types of surgery used to treat appendicitis in overweight and obese patients: a single-port extracorporeal laparoscopically assisted appendectomy (SP) and a traditional, three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (TP). The study involves patients 21 years or younger, who were diagnosed with appendicitis and treated between 2010 and 2015.

The study found that the SP technique was quicker, cheaper, and required a slightly shorter hospital stay than the TP technique. These findings were consistent across all weight groups.

In simpler terms, if someone has appendicitis, regardless of their weight, the SP technique might be a better option as it is faster, cheaper, and the patient might leave the hospital a little sooner.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of surgery this study compares for treating appendicitis in overweight and obese patients?
  2. According to the research, what are the advantages of the single-port extracorporeal laparoscopically assisted appendectomy (SP) over the traditional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (TP)?
  3. Are the findings of the SP technique being quicker, cheaper, and requiring a shorter hospital stay consistent across all weight groups?

Doctor’s Tip

Additionally, a doctor might advise a patient undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed pain medication, avoiding strenuous activities, and watching for signs of infection. It’s important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider as scheduled and to contact them if they experience any concerning symptoms.

Suitable For

Therefore, patients who are diagnosed with appendicitis and are looking for a minimally invasive and efficient surgical option may be recommended for a laparoscopic appendectomy, particularly the single-port extracorporeal laparoscopically assisted appendectomy (SP) technique. This recommendation may be especially relevant for overweight and obese patients, as the study suggests that the SP technique is beneficial across all weight groups.

Timeline

Before the surgery:

  1. The patient experiences symptoms of appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  2. The patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
  3. The surgeon discusses treatment options with the patient, including the possibility of a laparoscopic appendectomy.
  4. The patient is scheduled for surgery and instructed on pre-operative preparations such as fasting and medication management.

During the surgery (laparoscopic appendectomy):

  1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
  2. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to view the internal organs.
  3. The appendix is identified and removed using specialized instruments.
  4. The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.

After the surgery:

  1. The patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours to ensure stability.
  2. Pain medication is provided to manage post-operative discomfort.
  3. The patient is encouraged to start moving and walking to aid in recovery.
  4. The patient may be discharged from the hospital within 24-48 hours after surgery.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Overall, the patient experiences relief from appendicitis symptoms and a quicker recovery with a laparoscopic appendectomy compared to open surgery. The SP technique may offer additional benefits in terms of cost and hospital stay duration for overweight and obese patients.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  2. How experienced are you in performing single-port laparoscopically assisted appendectomies?
  3. How does the recovery process differ between a single-port and traditional laparoscopic appendectomy?
  4. Will I have a smaller scar with a single-port appendectomy compared to a traditional laparoscopic appendectomy?
  5. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may make me a better candidate for one technique over the other?
  6. Are there any long-term implications or differences in outcomes between the two techniques?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used for the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I expect to resume normal activities or return to work/school?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or care after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make post-surgery to aid in my recovery?

Reference

Authors: Mohan A, Guerron AD, Karam PA, Worley S, Seifarth FG. Journal: JSLS. 2016 Apr-Jun;20(2):e2016.00020. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2016.00020. PMID: 27186069