Abstract
Introduction: Laparoscopic appendectomy is now well accepted for the treatment of uncomplicated
appendicitis in children. Nevertheless, the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopy
in cases with complicated appendicitis is still controversially discussed. This study
evaluates outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomies in children presenting with complicated
appendicitis.
Material and methods: Over a 5-year period (2002–2007), all children presenting to the authors with complicated
appendicitis were approached laparoscopically using a standardized protocol and their
intra-operative findings and postoperative outcomes were recorded.
Results: Seventy-two consecutive laparoscopic appendectomies for complicated appendicitis
were performed with no conversions. The average patient age was 8.5 years. The mean
operating time was 45 min. There were no peri-operative complications. The overall
rate of postoperative infectious complications was 8.3% (One child developed a large
pelvic abscess required ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage. Two children had
multiple intra-abdominal abscesses that resolved with antibiotic treatment. Umbilical
port-site infections were encountered in 3 patients). The average length of hospital
stay was 5.7 days.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be performed safely in children who present with complicated
appendicitis. The procedure is efficacious and the complication rate is low.
Key words
laparoscopic appendectomy - complicated apendicitis - children
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Correspondence
Dr. V. A. PhamMD, PhD
Department of Surgery
Hue University-College of Medicine and Pharmacy
06, NGO QUYEN Str
054 Hue
Vietnam
Phone: +054/82 21 73
Fax: +054/82 62 69
Email: phamanhvu@hotmail.com