Introduction: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is the recommended treatment for uncomplicated
appendicitis and is increasingly preferred nowadays over open appendectomy (OA), the ideal procedure for patients
with complex appendicitis (CA)is debatable.
Aim of work: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the LA and OA techniques in individuals with CA.
Patients and methods: 80 patients were enrolled in this trial between November 2022 and August 2024, 58 had
LA while 22 underwent OA. Demographics, operating time, hospital stay and postoperative complications were
gathered and evaluated.
Results: Although LA demonstrated significantly more time-consuming than open approach (p 0.0002), it was
linked to a considerably lower median hospital stay (p <0.05) and significantly less analgesic usage (p <0.05). The
LA group's oral intake resumed earlier than the OA groups but this difference was statistically insignificant. A fewer
incidence of wound infections was linked to LA (p=0.0005). While there were no appreciable differences between
the two groups, two patients in the OA group and four in the LA group developed an intra-abdominal abscess. Two
patients in the LA group and two in the OA group had postoperative ileus; there were no appreciable differences
between the two groups. Fecal fistula was observed in one of OA patients (4.5%), and it resolved conservatively
ten days later. One patient in the OA group had adhesive intestinal obstruction and no mortality were reported in
both groups.
Conclusion: LA is a better option for patients with complicated appendicitis since it is safe and has a lower rate
of readmission and wound infection while other complications are comparable to OA.