One Year Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Open versus Laparoscopic Appendicectomy With Respect To Post Operative Pain

Abstract

Background and objectives ABSTRACT Appendicitis is one of the most common condition requiring surgical intervention. Appendicectomy can be perfomed using either open or laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic apendicectomy was first described in 1983. Though widely practiced LA has not gained universal approach. Controversy still continues about the advantage LA versus OA. The aim of this study is to compare OA and LA with respect to post operative pain and duration of hospital stay. Methods The present study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum on patients presenting with appendicitis during the period of December 2007 to December 2008. 62 patients older than 16 years with diagnosis of appendicitis were randomized to either OA or LA group. Post operative pain and duration of hospital stay were analyzed. Results Sixty two patients were randomized with each group containing 31 patients. The average age of the patients in the study was 33.08 years old and ranged from 18 years to 60 years. The mean ages of patient undergoing OA and LA were 32.55 and 33.61 years respectively. Pain at various intervals of time post operatively ( six-12-24-18-36 hours) measured using a visual analog scale was significantly less for patients treated laparoscopically ( p<0.0001 ) . The IX hospital stay in LA was less compared to OA group ( 6.71 versus 7.74 days respectively ) . Conclusions Patients who underwent LA have a lesser post operative pain and shorter duration of hospital stay when compared with patients who underwent OA