Comparison of open and laparoscopic appendectomy in uncomplicated appendicitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND
In the treatment of a subset of patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, no surgical method has been clearly estab- lished as superior.
METHODS
The present study was a prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were recruit- ed for the study. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of complicated appendicitis were excluded. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: a laparoscopic appendec- tomy group and an open appendectomy group. The primary outcome measure was the rate of postoperative septic compli- cations. Secondary outcome measures were the length of hos- pital stay, postoperative pain score, and quality of life score.
RESULTS
Ninety-six patients were included in the study, 50 in the laparoscopic appendectomy group and 46 in the open ap- pendectomy group. There were no signi cant differences between the two groups in terms of the rates of postopera- tive septic complications, hospital stay lengths, postopera- tive pain scores, or quality of life scores.
CONCLUSION
The laparoscopic approach to appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis does not offer a signi cant advan- tage over the open approach in terms of length of hospital stay, postoperative pain score, or quality of life, which are consid- ered the major advantages of minimally invasive surgery.