Intraabdominal abscesses following laparoscopic and open appendectomies

Background: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation following laparoscopic and open appendectomies. Methods: The current study retrospectively examines appendectomies performed during the period from January 1993 to July 1994. Excluded were cases which were started laparoscopically but converted to open procedures. There were 1,287 cases identified; 597 were perforated (46%), 114 were gangrenous (9%), and 576 were acute (45%). These diagnoses represent intraoperative diagnoses. Results: Of the 576 appendectomies for acute appendicitis, 64 (11%) were performed laparoscopically. There were four intraabdominal abscesses (0.7%), all occurring after open procedures. Of the 114 appendectomies for gangrenous appendicitis, 16 (14%) were done laparoscopically. There were two postoperative abscesses (1.8%), one following an open and one following a laparoscopic procedure. There was no significant difference in abscess rate between laparoscopic and open appendectomies for either acute or gangrenous appendicitis. Of the 597 appendectomies for perforated appendicitis, 28 (5%) were done laparoscopically. There were 19 postoperative abscesses in the whole group, accounting for a 3.2% abscess rate. Sixteen abscesses occurred after open appendectomies and three occurred after laparoscopic appendectomies (2.9% vs 11%, P=0.054). The preoperative diagnosis was incorrectly identified as acute appendicitis in 95 cases subsequently found to have perforated appendicitis; there was only 1 postoperative abscess in this group. There was no difference in postoperative stay in the open vs laparoscopic group (6.3 days vs 6.1 days). Conclusions: We found no significant difference in the rate of postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation between laparoscopic and open appendectomies in cases of acute or gangrenous appendictis. However, laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis was associated with an important trend toward a higher rate of postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation than open appendectomy. This observation calls for closer prospective scrutiny of laparoscopic appendectomy in the setting of performated appendicitis.Presented at the Third International Congress on New Technology and Advanced Techniques in Surgery, Luxembourg, 11–17 June 1995     

Perforated appendicitis is not a contraindication to laparoscopy.

Recent studies have reported an increased risk of intra-abdominal abscess formation following laparoscopic operation for perforated appendicitis. We undertook this study to compare laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in the treatment of perforated appendicitis. Records of all patients undergoing an appendectomy between January 1994 and June 1997 were reviewed, classifying appendicitis as acute, gangrenous, or perforated based on the intraoperative findings. Operative procedures were categorized as open, laparoscopic converted to open, or laparoscopic. The study group included 690 patients; four hundred fourteen (60%) were acute, 77 (11%) were gangrenous, and 199 (29%) were perforated. Although mean length of stay was shorter for all patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy, patients with perforated appendicitis had similar length of stay between treatment groups. Mean operative time for open appendectomy was significantly shorter than for converted or laparoscopic appendectomy regardless of diagnosis (P<0.01). Ten patients (1.4%) developed an intra-abdominal abscess: six after open appendectomy (1.7%), one after converted appendectomy (3.7%), and three after laparoscopic appendectomy (1%). There was no significant difference in rate of abscess formation in patients with perforated appendicitis undergoing open, converted, or laparoscopic appendectomy. We conclude that laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis is not associated with an increased rate of intra-abdominal abscess formation.     

Intra-abdominal abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis

HYPOTHESIS: The incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess is higher after laparoscopic compared with open appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. METHODS: A historical cohort study of pediatric patients operated on for suspected appendicitis by open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy compares the incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess for each procedure. SETTING: A tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Five hundred thirty-eight pediatric patients were operated on for suspected appendicitis at our institution between 1974 and 1999. Of these, 453 were included in the study. Of the excluded patients, 9 had incomplete medical records, 69 had normal or interval appendectomies, and 7 had appendixes removed by methods other than laparoscopy or right lower quadrant incision. INTERVENTIONS: Open appendectomy performed through a right lower quadrant incision or laparoscopic appendectomy performed through a 3-trocar approach by 1 of 3 pediatric surgeons at our institution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess after laparoscopic vs open appendectomy. RESULTS: In perforated appendicitis (170 patients), the incidence of postoperative abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy was 24% vs 4.2% after open appendectomy. The relative risk ratio of developing a postoperative abscess after perforated appendicitis was 5.6 (confidence interval, 2.1-16.0) after laparoscopic vs open appendectomy. The results remained significant when controlled for age, sex, intraoperative irrigation, and preoperative antibiotics. Postoperative abscess in all acute, gangrenous, and perforated appendicitis after laparoscopic appendectomy was 6.4% vs 3.0% after open appendectomy. This was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is a significant increase in the incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess with perforated appendicitis after laparoscopic compared with open appendectomy in pediatric patients.     

Risk factors for post-appendicectomy intra-abdominal abscess.

BACKGROUND: Appendicectomy is a common emergency operation, after which major complications are uncommon, however when they do occur they are a major cause of concern to patient and surgeon. This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors for post-appendicectomy intra-abdominal abscess formation. METHOD: A retrospective review was undertaken of all appendicectomies undertaken in Christchurch Hospital between 1 January and 31 December 1995. Appendicectomies were identified from a database of histology. The patients' notes were reviewed and the surgical approach, histological diagnosis and postoperative complications identified. RESULTS: A total of 417 appendicectomies was identified of which 331 were open, 66 laparoscopic, and 20 undertaken at laparotomy. Mean day stays for each group were 4.4, 4.2 and 11.5 days, respectively. The percentages of patients with acute appendicitis in each group were 87, 58 and 35%. Histologically the appendix was inflamed in 80% (334) of patients (acute 232, chronic 15, perforated 56 and gangrenous 24). There were six postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses (1.4%), all occurring in the open appendicectomy group when the histology was either perforated or gangrenous appendicitis (P < 0.001). There were no cases of postoperative abscess formation following laparoscopic appendicectomy. All cases of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess were associated with perforated and/or gangrenous appendicitis (P < 0.001). The incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses was 7.5% with a perforated and/or gangrenous appendix. There were two cases of iatrogenic perforation following laparoscopic appendicectomy. CONCLUSION: The incidence of intra-abdominal abscess is 1.4% of all appendicectomies. The only identified risk factor for development of post-appendicectomy intra-abdominal abscess was the underlying pathology of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis.     

Comparison of laparoscopic, open, and converted appendectomy for perforated appendicitis

BACKGROUND: Perforated appendicitis is associated with a significant risk of postoperative abdominal and wound infection. Only a few controversial studies evaluate the role of laparoscopy in perforated appendicitis. The significance of conversion from laparoscopy to open appendectomy for perforated appendicitis is not well defined. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test. METHODS: Data on 52 patients with perforated appendicitis were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients, 18 had laparoscopic appendectomies (LA); 24 had open appendectomies (OA); and 10 had converted appendectomies (CA). The indications for either method were based on the attending surgeons's philosophy. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed using a retrograde stapler technique. Operative time, hospital stay, ability to tolerate a liquid diet, and postoperative infectious complications were documented. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in the operative time in minutes was found between the LA (114 +/- 29.3), CA (120.0 +/- 32.2), and OA (105.8 +/- 64.1) groups (p = NS). There was no statistically significance difference in length of stay (days) between the LA (9.2 +/- 4.1), OA (10.5 +/- 3.3), and CA (10.0 +/- 1.8) groups. The wound infection rate was less frequent in the LA group (0%) than in 0A (14%) and CA (10%) groups. The rate of intra-abdominal abscess infections (IAAs) and ileus were 22% and 28%, respectively, in LA group, 38% and 29%, respectively, in OA group, and 60% and 50%, respectively, in CA group. CONCLUSIONS: No difference in the rate of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses exists between laparoscopic and open appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. Wound infections and ileus complicate the postoperative course of patients after laparoscopic appendectomy less frequently than after open appendectomy. The conversion of laparoscopic to open appendectomy for perforated appendicitis is associated with increased postoperative morbidity.     

Fear for the intraabdominal abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy: not realistic

Background: The risk for intraabdominal abscess (IAA) after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate postoperative complications after open (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy, in particular in perforated appendicitis (PA).Methods: In the period 1999–2002, 331 appendectomies were performed for histological proven appendicitis, 144 by the open and 187 by the laparoscopic technique. Parameters were conversion rate, perforation, wound infection, and IAA.Results: Conversion to OA was done in 20 cases (10.7%). Perforated appendicitis led more frequently to conversion than simple appendicitis (23.5 vs 7.8%; p = 0.007). Perforated appendicitis was equally seen in the open and laparoscopic technique (15 vs 18%). Wound infections after OA, converted and LA for acute appendicitis were 3 of 144 (2.1%), 1 of 20 (5.0%) and 1 of 167 (0.6%), respectively (NS). IAA formation did not differ among the three procedures (3.5 vs 0 vs 3.6%). In PA the rate of IAA formation was increased. However, the risk was not influenced by the technique: Two patients after the OA, none after a converted procedure, and two patients after LA formed an abscess (9.5 vs 0 vs 7.7% [NS]).Conclusion: LA does not lead to more intraabdominal abscesses than the open technique; even for perforated appendicitis the laparoscopic technique can be used safely.     

RISK FACTORS FOR POST-APPENDICECTOMY INTRA-ABDOMINAL ABSCESS

Background : Appendicectomy is a common emergency operation, after which major complications are uncommon, however when they do occur they are a major cause of concern to patient and surgeon. This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors for post-appendicectomy intra-abdominal abscess formation. Method : A retrospective review was undertaken of all appendicectomies undertaken in Christchurch Hospital between 1 January and 31 December 1995. Appendicectomies were identified from a database of histology. The patients’ notes were reviewed and the surgical approach, histological diagnosis and postoperative complications identified. Results : A total of 417 appendicectomies was identified of which 331 were open, 66 laparoscopic, and 20 undertaken at laparotomy. Mean day stays for each group were 4.4, 4.2 and 11.5 days, respectively. The percentages of patients with acute appendicitis in each group were 87, 58 and 35%. Histologically the appendix was inflamed in 80% (334) of patients (acute 232, chronic 15, perforated 56 and gangrenous 24). There were six postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses (1.4%), all occurring in the open appendicectomy group when the histology was either perforated or gangrenous appendicitis (P < 0.001). There were no cases of postoperative abscess formation following laparoscopic appendicectomy. All cases of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess were associated with perforated and/or gangrenous appendicitis (P < 0.001). The incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses was 7.5% with a perforated and/or gangrenous appendix. There were two cases of iatrogenic perforation following laparoscopic appendicectomy. Conclusion : The incidence of intra-abdominal abscess is 1.4% of all appendicectomies. The only identified risk factor for development of post-appendicectomy intra-abdominal abscess was the underlying pathology of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis.     

Intraabdominal abscess rate after laparoscopic appendectomy

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest increased intraabdominal abscess (IA) rates following laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), especially for perforated appendicitis. Consequently, an open approach has been advocated. The aim of our study is to compare IA rates following LA performed by a laparoscopic surgery and a general surgical service within the same institution. METHODS: Data of LA patients treated at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California (LAC-USC) Medical Center between March 1992 and June 1997 were reviewed. The main outcome measure was postoperative IA. RESULTS: In all, 645 LA were reviewed. A total of 413 LA (285 acute, 61 gangrenous, 67 perforated appendicitis) were performed by three general surgical services (10 attendings). Ten abscesses occurred postoperatively (2.4%), 6 with perforated appendicitis. After the laparoscopic service was introduced, 232 standardized LA (126 acute, 46 gangrenous, 60 perforated) were performed by two attendings. One IA occurred (gangrenous appendicitis). The IA rate for perforated appendicitis was significantly lower on the laparoscopic service (P = 0.025). There was no difference in IA rates for acute and gangrenous appendicitis. There was no mortality in either group. CONCLUSION: IA rate following LA for perforated appendicitis was significantly reduced on the laparoscopic service. Mastery of the learning curve and addition of specific surgical techniques explained this improved result. Therefore, laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis may not be contraindicated, even for perforated appendicitis.     

Infectious complications following laparoscopic appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION: A meta-analysis of the literature suggests there is an increased rate of intra-abdominal abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) compared with open appendectomy (OA). METHODS: To analyze the infectious complications of LA at one tertiary care centre, we completed a retrospective chart review for all patients undergoing LA for acute appendicitis from 1995 to 2002. RESULTS: We used established exclusion criteria to identify 175 patients with a mean age of 37.6 (standard deviation [SD] 14.5) years (95 male, 80 female). The mean operating time was 61.9 (SD 22.5) minutes. Excluding conversions to OA (14/175, 8%), operating time was 59.9 (SD 20.5) minutes. On surgical assessment, 143 patients had acute nonperforated appendicitis (17 perforated, 15 gangrenous). However, on histopathology assessment, 13 cases of normal appendix were identified (13/175, 7.4%). The overall median length of stay was 2.0 days. Three patients had significant postoperative infectious complications, including 1 wound infection and 2 cases of intra-abdominal abscesses. All abscesses were managed successfully with percutaneous drainage. An analysis of perioperative factors that might have contributed to the infectious complications revealed that each case of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess occurred in patients with gangrenous appendicitis and when extensive irrigation was used during LA. CONCLUSIONS: An institutional review demonstrates outcomes comparable with the Cochrane systematic review of the published literature. Technical issues that may impact on intra-abdominal abscess formation after LA include aggressive manipulation of the infected appendix and increased use of irrigation fluid, possibly producing greater contamination of the peritoneal cavity.     

Appendectomy in the pre- and postlaparoscopic eras

The role of laparoscopic appendectomy remains controversial since many authors have suggested that overall morbidity is primarily a function of the degree of appendicitis rather than the operative approach. We have reviewed our appendectomy experience to determine the advantages and/or disadvantages of the laparoscopic technique in cases of acute appendicitis, and furthermore to ascertain whether the extent of disease should affect the surgical approach used. Data were accumulated for all 1158 patients who underwent appendectomy at a single institution during the following three time periods that span the pre- and postlaparoscopic eras: period I (1987 to 1990), period II (1991 to 1993), and period III (1994 to 1997). Cases were categorized with regard to pathologic findings and operative approach (i.e., open or laparoscopic appendectomy). The percentage of appendectomies performed laparoscopically increased with time (0%, 27%, and 79% for periods I, II, and III, respectively). Overall, the total operating room time was slightly shorter for laparoscopic compared to open appendectomy (99 vs. 102 minutes; P <0.05). Operating room times for open appendectomy remained unchanged, but the times for laparoscopic appendectomy decreased from period II to period III (119 to 94 minutes; P <0.001). In cases of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis, the times for laparoscopic appendectomy were significantly shorter than those for open appendectomy (98/115 vs. 120/125 minutes; P <0.001 for both). Overall, the hospital stay was shorter for patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (1.63 vs. 4.21 days; P <0.001), and the difference was maintained in all three time periods. The differences in length of hospital stay for laparoscopic vs. open appendectomy were most dramatic in gangrenous/perforated cases (1.8/3.0 vs. 4.0/9.0 days; P <0.001), whereas there was only a slight difference in cases of simple appendicitis, for example, 1.6 vs. 2.1 days (laparoscopic vs. open appendectomy, period III). There was a significant decrease in the percentage of perforated cases in which surgical treatment had been delayed (>8 hours) (21%, 5%, and 5%) over the three time periods, but the rate of "negative" appendectomies was similar (10%, 8%, and 8%). The complication rates following laparoscopic and open appendectomies during period II were 5.4% and 7.5%, respectively (P >0.05). Laparoscopic appendectomy results in a marked decrease in the length of hospital stay and similar postoperative morbidity compared to open appendectomy. In cases of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy appears to be especially worthwhile in regard to both operating room time and hospital stay. Presented at the Thirty-Ninth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, New Orleans, La., May 17–20, 1998. Supported by the Harvard Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.     

The treatment of complicated appendicitis in children. What is the gold standard?

From 1976 to 1985, 233 consecutive children were treated for appendicitis by a standardized protocol. Forty-nine percent of these cases were complicated: 11% by gangrene, 33% by perforation, and 4% by perforations with well-developed abscesses. Treatment of gangrenous and perforated appendicitis consisted of administration of ampicillin sodium, gentamicin sulfate, and clindamycin phosphate; appendectomy; and saline peritoneal irrigation. Transperitoneal drainage was not used. Skin and subcutaneous tissues were left open for delayed primary wound closure. Perforations with well-developed abscesses were treated with triple antibiotic therapy and interval appendectomy. The only infectious complication was one intra-abdominal abscess. There were no wound infections or deaths. The rate of infectious complications was 0.9%, and the overall morbidity was 4.4%. This standardized treatment of complicated appendicitis in children prevents wound infection and significantly decreases the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess formation and mortality.     

Day-care laparoscopic appendectomies.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the safety of laparoscopic appendectomy in a day-care setting and to compare patients selected for laparoscopic versus open appendectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective, nonrandomized study. SETTING: A community hospital in a small town in British Columbia. PATIENTS: Ninety-four consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. INTERVENTIONS: Each patient underwent laparoscopic or open appendectomy as selected by the operating surgeon. OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of operation and of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The average operating time was 32 minutes for open appendectomy and 36 minutes for laparoscopic appendectomy. Two (4%) of the 52 patients who had a laparoscopic appendectomy had significant complications; 1 of them required reoperation for intra-abdominal abscess. Thirty-nine (75%) of the laparoscopic appendectomies were done as day-care procedures. The average length of stay for the remaining patients was 2.1 days. The overall complication rate for patients who underwent open appendectomy was 20%. The average length of stay for these patients was 3.2 days; no patient was discharged within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely performed as a day-care procedure, even for selected patients with gangrenous or perforated appendices. Patients typically selected for open appendectomy include children and those with more advanced infection.     

Appendicites: cœlioscopie ou non ?

Whether or not there is a benefit to laparoscopy versus open surgery in the management of acute appendicitis remains a subject of controversy despite the publication of numerous randomized studies. Operative time is longer for the laparoscopic approach. The incidence of abdominal wall abscess is decreased for laparoscopy but the incidence of deep intra-abdominal abscess may be increased, especially in the case of complicated appendicitis. Post-operative pain is diminished and resumption of normal activity is quicker with the laparoscopic approach. Hospitalization is shorter but the cost of hospital care is higher; nevertheless, the global cost may be less - particularly for patients whose return to work is hastened by a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopy diminishes the number of normal appendectomies, particularly in women of reproductive age where the diagnosis may be unclear. Laparoscopic appendectomy is practicable and has advantages over open appendectomy under certain circumstances. These advantages are most evident in the young female, the working patient, and the obese patient. Overall, the advantages of laparoscopy are, at best, modest and clinical benefit is not always demonstrable. The risk of deep abscess, particularly in patients with perforated or gangrenous appendicitis, remains an unknown and should be evaluated by further studies.     

腹腔镜手术治疗复杂性阑尾炎

目的 总结腹腔镜手术治疗复杂性阑尾炎的经验.方法 2008年2月～ 2012年2月对87例复杂性阑尾炎(坏疽、穿孔性阑尾炎或阑尾周围脓肿形成)行腹腔镜手术,术式包括腹腔镜阑尾切除联合腹腔冲洗引流,腹腔镜下阑尾脓肿清创引流术.结果 无死亡病例,3例中转开腹,4例阑尾周围脓肿形成需要行二期阑尾切除术.手术时间(54±21) min,术后肛门排气时间(38±13)h,术后住院时间(5.0±1.4)d.术后6例出现并发症,其中戳孔感染3例,切口换药后愈合;腹腔残余脓肿2例,抗炎治疗后脓肿逐渐吸收;粪漏1例,经过肠外营养支持、充分引流及使用抗生素后愈合.80例随访8～44个月,平均14个月,2例出现粘连性肠梗阻,余无其他并发症出现.结论 腹腔镜手术治疗复杂性阑尾炎是安全有效的.     

Laparoscopy in complicated pediatric appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Complicated appendicitis (gangrenous or perforated) has been associated with increased risk for postoperative complications, especially intraabdominal abscess. Caution has been advised when attempting laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in children. The objective of our study was to assess the incidence of intraabdominal abscess formation after laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients presenting with complicated appendicitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 52 pediatric patients presenting with acute appendicitis at a single teaching institution who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy by a single surgeon. All laparoscopic procedures were completed without conversion. Treatment complications and outcomes were recorded for all cases. RESULTS: Five of the 52 patients (10%) had complicated appendicitis. One of the 5 patients (20%) developed intraabdominal abscess postoperatively and underwent laparoscopic drainage during the same admission. No other complications were noted. None of these patients was readmitted for wound infections or intraabdominal abscesses. The single postoperative abscess occurred early during our initial experience with laparoscopic appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy seems to be a safe alternative for the treatment of complicated appendicitis in children. Caution is recommended during the initial experience of surgeons with this procedure, because the complication rate seems to be higher during the learning curve. Close postoperative follow-up and a high index of suspicion for development of complications is recommended. As surgeons' experience accumulates, the safety of the procedure seems to increase. A prospective, randomized trial is recommended to establish the role of laparoscopy in complicated appendicitis in the pediatric population.     

Perforated appendicitis: is laparoscopic operation advisable?

AIMS: A retrospective study was used to compare laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis to open operation. METHODS: Between July 1991 and June 1999 a total of 734 patients, all over 14 years of age, underwent operation for acute appendicitis. Of these patients, 125 (17%) displayed perforated appendicitis and were treated with either a laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 80; total conversion rate 36/80, 45%) or a primary open procedure (n = 45). RESULTS: Due to selection, the 3 treatment groups (laparoscopic, laparoscopy with conversion, open operation) showed differences with respect to gender, duration of symptoms, proportion of obese patients and patients with generalized peritonitis. The median operating time was 75 min for the laparoscopic procedure, 90 min for a converted procedure and 70 min for open operation. Only 1 of 44 (2%) patients who had a laparoscopic operation, but 8 of 36 (22%) who had a converted operation, and 8 of 45 (18%) who had an open operation developed wound infection. A similar frequency of intra-abdominal abscess formation was observed in the 3 treatment groups (2/44, 5%; 3/36, 8%; 2/45, 5%). Fatal outcome occurred only in patients who underwent an open operation and presented with severe peritonitis (5/45, 11%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations in comparability of patient groups, laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a significantly lower rate of septic wound complications (p < 0.05). This was especially true for the subgroup of obese patients (BMI >26). Therefore, for patients with perityphlitic abscess or fresh purulent lower abdominal peritonitis, but not for patients with generalized peritonitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is not only justifiable but even recommended as the procedure of choice.     

Intraabdominal abscess following open and laparoscopic appendectomy in the pediatric population

Background: Studies comparing intraabdominal abscess (IAA) rates following laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) have shown conflicting results. Methods: The charts of 324 children undergoing appendectomy were reviewed retrospectively to examine the incidence of IAA. Results: Of the 324 appendectomies, 204 (63.0%) were completed laparoscopically and 119 (36.7%) were performed open. The conversion rate was 0.2% (1/324). Of the 15 (4.6%) IAAs, 7 occurred in the LA group (3.4%) and 8 occurred in the OA group (6.7%) [p = not significant (NS)]. The incidence of IAA for perforated appendicitis for LA was 15% (7/46) and that for OA was 10% (7/70) (p = NS). Conclusion: This study demonstrates no statistically significant difference in the rate of IAA among children following LA and OA. LA can be performed for perforated appendicitis without increasing the risk of IAA.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy is superior to open appendectomy in obese patients

BACKGROUND: There are minimal data comparing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in obese patients. METHODS: We reviewed consecutive adult patients from 2003 to 2005 who underwent an appendectomy at a University-affiliated teaching hospital. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. Outcome measures included length of stay, surgical times, intra-abdominal abscesses, wound infections, and hospital charges. RESULTS: There were 116 patients with a mean body mass index of 35. Eighty-five patients underwent LA, 12 were converted to open, 4 of 12 (31%) were perforated. Thirty-one patients underwent OA. Overall, 21 (18%) were perforated. Length of stay for LA was better, 3.4 days versus 5.5 days for OA (P = .02), and wound closure rate was better, 90% for LA versus 68% for OA (P < .01). Other outcome measures were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: LA is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer open wounds, and equivalent hospital charges and intra-abdominal abscess rates; and should be considered the procedure of choice for obese patients with appendicitis.     

Does use of intraoperative irrigation with open or laparoscopic appendectomy reduce post-operative intra-abdominal abscess?

To date, no study shows a decrease in postoperative abscess with the use of irrigation during appendectomy. Postoperative abscess rate for laparoscopic and open appendectomy is 3.3 and 2.6 per cent. The purpose of this study is to determine if irrigation at appendectomy decreases the postoperative intra-abdominal abscess rate. Retrospective chart review of 176 consecutive appendectomies, open (39%) and laparoscopic (61%), at a university affiliated tertiary care facility from July 2007 to November 2008 for use of intraoperative irrigation was performed. Patients under age 18 were excluded. There were no differences between the irrigation groups in regards to age, sex, or weight. Perforation was observed in 28 per cent (50/176), of which 86 per cent (43/50) of patients received intraoperative irrigation. Eleven patients (9.6%) with irrigation developed postoperative abscess compared with two (3.3%) patients without irrigation (P = 0.22). Our results do not show decrease in postoperative intra-abdominal abscess with use of intraoperative irrigation. Thirteen patients developed postoperative abscess: 11 with irrigation, two without irrigation. Ten of 13 patients who developed abscess were perforated; nine with irrigation and one without. These results suggest routine use of intraoperative irrigation for appendectomies does not prevent intra-abdominal abscess formation, adds extra costs, and may be avoided.     

Standardized patient care guidelines reduce infectious morbidity in appendectomy patients

BACKGROUND: Surgical wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess remain common infectious complications after appendectomy, especially in the setting of a perforated or gangrenous appendix. We therefore developed a clinical protocol for the management of appendicitis to decrease postoperative infectious complications. METHODS: Between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 1999, 206 patients with appendicitis were treated on protocol. Retrospectively, the charts were reviewed for all protocol patients as well as for 232 patients with appendicitis treated in the year prior to protocol initiation. Data were collected on surgical wound infections and intra-abdominal abscesses. RESULTS: There were significantly fewer infectious complications in the protocol group than in the nonprotocol group (20 [9%] versus 8 [4%]; P <0.05). In patients with a perforated or gangrenous appendix, the infectious complication rate was reduced from 33% to 13% (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of infectious complications after appendectomy can be significantly reduced with a standardized approach to antibiotic therapy and wound management.