Post-operative Outcome of Laparoscopic Vs Open Appendicectomy: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis remains one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery worldwide. While both laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) are standard treatments, their comparative outcomes in resource-limited settings, such as Bangladesh, require further investigation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Patients were divided equally into two groups: laparoscopic appendectomy (n=50) and open appendectomy (n=50). Data on operative duration, post-operative pain (VAS scale), hospital stay, complications, recovery time, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Laparoscopic appendectomy showed significantly better outcomes across several parameters. Operative time was shorter in the LA group (p < 0.001), with 30% of patients completing surgery in under 30 minutes compared to 10% in the OA group. Post-operative pain scores were significantly lower in the LA group on day 1 (p < 0.001). The LA group had a shorter hospital stay, with 60% discharged within one day (p < 0.001). Post-operative complications, such as wound infections and ileus, were less frequent in the LA group (p < 0.001). Additionally, 50% of LA patients returned to normal activities within three days, compared to only 10% in the OA group (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the LA group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy improves pain management, recovery, complications, and patient satisfaction over open surgery, supporting its use in resource-limited settings.