Role of Laparoscopy in Complicated Appendicitis in Children

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies among children. Approximately 30% of children present to the hospital with complicated appendicitis, which is associated with higher morbidity than simple appendicitis. Controversy exists in the treatment of complicated appendicitis in the pediatric age group. The goal of this study was to review the results of laparoscopic surgery in complicated appendicitis in terms of safety, efficacy, and complicationsMaterials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore from 2015 to 2020 over a period of 5 years. All children who underwent laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis (perforated, gangrenous, and mass) were included in the study. Thorough history with respect to symptoms and their duration were recorded followed by general and abdominal examination. Routine blood investigation and imaging were done before surgery. Intraoperative data regarding the type of complication, presence or absence of fecolith, and position of appendix were documented. Postoperatively duration of stay and complications were analyzed. Results: Sixty cases were included in the study. The mean age of presentation was 10.11 ± 0.855 years. Of 60 children, 53 were males and 7 were females. The mean operative time was 55.8333 ± 4.806 min. The rate of conversion from the laparoscopy to open surgery was 11.5%. The mean time of duration of intravenous antibiotics was 4.2778 ± 0.446 days. The mean time for starting of oral feeding was 2.8333 ± 0.307 days. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.11 ± 0.545 days. Wound infection in the immediate postoperative period was seen in 6.6% of the children. No long-term complications were noted. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for complicated appendicitis is safe and effective. Therefore, it should be the first choice for cases of complicated appendicitis in children.