Laparoscopy utilization and outcomes for appendicitis in small children

Purpose

To examine the trends in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) utilization and outcomes for children 5 years or younger.

Methods

We studied 16,028 inpatient admissions for children 5 years of age or less undergoing an appendectomy for acute appendicitis in 2000, 2003, and 2006 using the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). Laparoscopy frequency, hospital length of stay, and complications were reviewed.

Results

In 2000, 2003 and 2006 appendectomies were done laparoscopically 11.4%, 18.7% and 31.3% of the time, respectively. Children were more likely to undergo LA at a children's hospital (P < 0.001). LA complications were less likely overall (OR: 0.80, CI: 0.70–0.92, P = 0.002) and in perforated cases (OR: 0.78, CI: 0.67-0.91, P = 0.001). LA decreased hospital length of stay by 0.54 days for all patients and 0.70 days for perforated cases (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Open appendectomy has historically been the standard in children 5 years of age and younger. Laparoscopic appendectomy has slowly gained acceptance for the treatment of appendicitis in smaller children. The use of laparoscopy has increased significantly at all facilities. Furthermore, laparoscopic appendectomy in this age group has a comparatively low complication rate and short hospital length of stay, and is safe in complicated perforated appendicitis cases.