Abstract
Background
: More than 30 controlled trials have studied the question of whether open or endoscopic surgery is better for acute appendicitis, but we still do not have the answer.
Methods
: A thorough search of the medical literature produced seven articles suitable for in-depth analysis, two of which focused on children.
Results
: The trials produced conflicting results, with some favoring laparoscopy and others open surgery. There are a number of problems with interpretation of these studies caused by the heterogenity of the disease, the surgeons, and practice patterns. Also, although early complications are discussed, late complications are not.
Conclusion
: Conventional and laparoscopic appendectomy are complementary techniques.
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