A Comparative Study about Complications of Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children and Adults

Purpose: In recent studies, laparoscopic appendectomy has been widely performed for not only uncomplicated appendicitis but also perforated appendicitis. But, in children, the value of laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis is not yet established. Our retrospective study is to evaluate the safety of laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis in children. Methods: We reviewed electronic medical records of a total of 595 patients (95 children and 500 adults), who had been operated upon for acute appendicitis, from August 2005 to February 2007. Those patients were divided into two groups; children and adults. Demographic data, duration of pain, diagnostic methods, length of stay, operative time, time under anesthetic, time to diet, perforation rate, and complication rates were analyzed. Results: In eight adult patients, laparoscopic surgery was converted to open laparatomy. There was no significant difference in perforation rates (children 20.0% vs. adults 1.8.1%, P=0.714). However, postoperative complication rates were significantly higher in the children group (7.4%) compared to the adult group (2.2%). Conclusion: We noted that laparoscopic appendectomy should be applied cautiously, especially in pediatric groups due to the relatively high complication rate. However, we need to see more high-quality randomized trials. (J Korean Surg Soc 2009;76:90-93)