Is there a role for laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric surgery?

摘要: Abstract Although laparoscopic procedures are currently in vogue general surgery, the role of this approach children has not been prospectively evaluated United States using new instrumentation now available to us. To assess value appendectomy (LA) childhood, we compared 14 LAs with 50 open appendectomies (OA) over 6 months a single children's hospital. Antibiotic usage was at discretion surgeon regardless procedure performed and different between groups. LA under direction laparoscopy-trained patient selection based on parental consent. A three-puncture technique used; from group were allowed return full activities as soon they comfortable. There no significant differences groups for severity disease, age, weight, hospital cost, or complications. The types complications that developed comparable both percent complicated appendicitis (gangrene perforation) 32% OA 36% group. Patients spent significantly fewer days returned unrestricted (school, athletics, etc) faster than patients is approximately $1,000 more expensive OA, being easily explainable by cost disposable supplies necessary (laser fibers, trocars, etc), but because shorter stay mean total each comparable. These data suggest although there appears be advantage, shortens allows activity sooner OA. should considered reasonable alternative may choice hands pediatric surgeons experienced techniques.