Publication:

Pelvic sepsis following laparoscopic appendicectomy versus open appendicectomy: a retrospective study of 648 cases

Background The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the development of postoperative pelvic collections following Laparoscopic Appendicectomy (LA) and Open Appendicectomy (OA).

Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy between February 2010 and January 2012 at a single UK tertiary care referral centre were considered for inclusion in this study. Data collection was undertaken and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results Of the 648 appendicectomies (361 male, 287 female), 177 were performed laparoscopically. Histology confirmed appendicitis in 484 patients. There were 19 cases of pelvic sepsis (LA n=2, OA n=17), not statistically significant (p=0.1184).

Conclusions Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe operative procedure and is not associated with an increased risk of pelvic sepsis.