LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY - COMPARISON WITH OPEN APPENDECTOMY IN 720 PATIENTS

We conducted a review of laparoscopic appendectomies (LA) and open app endectomies (OA) over a 3-year period, including 720 patients (253 LA, 467 OA) who underwent appendectomy during the study period. Computer records were reviewed with respect to demographics, length of stay, op erating room time, operating room cost, hospital cost, and morbidity. All patients were sent surveys to assess their posthospitalization rec overy. The LA patients had significant shorter hospital stays (2.06 da ys vs. 3.44 days, p < .001), lower morbidity rates (5 vs 14%, p < .02) , and comparable overall hospital costs ($4,800 vs. $4,950). The LA pa tients also reported less postoperative pain and were able to return t o work sooner. Our results show that LA can significantly decrease mor bidity and hospital stay with a comparable hospital cost and result in quicker patient recovery.