Outcomes of Mini-Appendectomy: an Experience of 150 Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Nepal

Abstract

A new era of minimally invasive surgery has led to the advancement of new approaches for the existing operations. Mini-appendectomy is a randomly practiced preexisting underestimated form of open surgery, which serves the purpose of minimally invasive surgery, i.e., 1.5–2.5 cm incision to cure appendicitis. This study aims to describe the perioperative outcome of mini-appendectomy to combat appendicitis. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. All cases undergoing mini-appendectomy from August 2016 to August 2017 were included in the study. Convenience sampling was done. A proforma was used to collect data on patient’s detailed clinical history, physical examination, operative details, operative time, postoperative complications, postoperative analgesic requirements, ambulation, length of hospital stay, return to routine, and patient satisfaction. Among 150 patients who underwent mini-incision appendectomy, 3 (2%) patients required extension of incision up to 4 cm. The average (SD) operating time was 16.67 (3.10) minutes. The average (SD) time in which patients could ambulate was 6.08 (0.4) hours. Only 6 (4%) patients required postoperative additional analgesic. The mean (SD) hospital stay was 28.80 (16.91) hours. Wound infection occurred in 2 (1.3%) patients. A majority of 148 (98.7%) patients reported satisfaction with the minimal scar. Mini-appendectomy is a safe, feasible, and promising procedure to cure appendicitis and gives high satisfaction to the patient.