Abstract
ABSTRACT
Purpose
: A prospective review was carried out to compare laparoscopic and open appendicectomy in children over a 12-month period.
Patients and Methods
: One hundred thirty-two patients with clinical features of acute appendicitis underwent emergency appendicectomy. Thirty-six patients underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and 96 had an open procedure, depending on the availability of a pediatric surgeon with laparoscopic experience. There was no difference in age, weight, operating time, pathologic findings, or postoperative stay between the two groups.
Results
: The postoperative morphine requirement was reduced in the laparoscopic group. Patients in this group were also able to tolerate normal diet earlier.
Conclusion
: In pediatric centers with laparoscopic surgical expertise, laparoscopic appendicectomy can be safely introduced for the management of acute appendicitis.
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