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Laparoscopic appendectomy in the elderly

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Abstract

Background

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open appendectomy among the elderly.

Methods

Data on 53 elderly patients with a diagnosis of suspected appendicitis were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients, 24 had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and 29 had undergone open appendectomy (OA). The indications for either method were based on the patient’s choice.

Results

No statistically significant difference in operative time was found between the LA (70 ± 28 min) and OA (60 ± 22 min) groups. There was no statistically significant difference in lengths of hospital stay between the LA (4.8 ± 3.0 days) and OA (5.0 ± 3.1 days) groups, and there was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative analgesic doses between the LA (0.5 ± 0.3 doses) and OA (1.7 ± 1.5 doses) groups. No conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery was necessary, and no intraabdominal abscesses developed.

Conclusion

According to this study, LA is as safe and effective as OA for the elderly. Furthermore, it significantly reduces postoperative wound pain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Trauma and Emergency Center, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan

    Y.-C. Wang, H.-R. Yang, P.-K. Chung, L.-B. Jeng & R.-J. Chen

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  1. Y.-C. Wang
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  2. H.-R. Yang
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  3. P.-K. Chung
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  4. L.-B. Jeng
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  5. R.-J. Chen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R.-J. Chen.

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Wang, YC., Yang, HR., Chung, PK. et al. Laparoscopic appendectomy in the elderly. Surg Endosc 20, 887–889 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-005-0658-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-005-0658-8

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