Results of laparoscopic appendectomy over a 10-year period in the Emergency Department of Hospital Policial de Montevideo

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis consists of inflammation of the vermiform appendix and is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Between 7% and 10% of the population will require emergency surgery for this condition. The laparoscopic approach currently offers patients a number of advantages, including a shorter length of hospital stay, a lower incidence of complications, and an earlier return to normal activities.
Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the percentages of immediate postoperative complications in a series of patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy and its association with different clinical variables.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive, observational and retrospective single-center study of patients who underwent emergency surgery due to acute appendicitis between January 2014 and July 2023.
Results: A total of 454 patients were included. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 15 cases(3.3%). Twenty-five(5.5%) patients presented complications and 7 (1.5%) required reoperation. There were no deaths in the series. An association was found between the type of appendicitis and the presence of complications(p < 0.001), as well as with the need for reoperation (p = 0.001). Time from the onset of symptoms to consultation was associated with greater risk of developing complications (OR 1.3, Time to consultation was identified as a risk factor for developing complications: 3(IQR 5) versus 2(IQR 2), OR 1.3(CI 1.046-1.632) p 0.009. 1.046-1.632, p = 0.019).
Conclusions: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure for managing acute appendicitis, with a low rate of complications related to the usual clinical variables of the condition.