Laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with a body mass index of 25 or greater: results of a double blind, prospective, randomized trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The reported advantages of the laparoscopic approach to appendectomy are shortened hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and earlier return to usual activities (work). However, a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial comparing laparoscopic appendectomy with open appendectomy in active-duty males failed to disclose a benefit of laparoscopic appendectomy with regards to postoperative pain and return to work. The aim of our study was to compare open and laparoscopic appendectomy in overweight patients.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study to determine whether laparoscopic appendectomy or the open procedure in overweight patients offers a significant reduction in lost workdays, postoperative pain, or operative time from. Open appendectomy in overweight patients (those with a body mass index > or =25) may be more difficult due to excessive subcutaneous adipose tissue. The open incision may be of considerable size, which may result in increased postoperative pain and a prolonged convalescence.

RESULTS:

There was a statistically significant increase in operative time for laparoscopic appendectomy of 11 minutes. As expected, the aggregate incision length for open appendectomy was twice that of the laparoscopic appendectomy.

CONCLUSION:

The data from this prospective, randomized, double-blind study failed to demonstrate any significant reduction in lost workdays, postoperative pain, or operative time with laparoscopic appendectomy.

• Authors: Robert Ricca, James J Schneider, Harpreet Brar, Paul A Lucha
• Journal: JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (JSLS) 2007 Jan-Mar Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 54-8 ISSN: 1086-8089 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17663093 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Topics

• Adult
• Appendectomy
• Appendicitis (pathology, surgery)
• Body Mass Index
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Laparoscopy
• Male
• Overweight
• Pain, Postoperative