Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children: A prospective randomised study

43 children between the ages of 7 and 15 years with clinical symptoms of ac ute appendicitis were randomised to an open appendectomy (OA) or a laparosc opic appendectomy (LA). There were 15 acute cases of appendicites and 5 per forated appendicites in the OA group and 17 acute appendicites, 3 cases of perforated appendicites and 3 other diagnoses in the LA group. The operativ e time was a little shorter in the OA group. There were no differences in h ospital stay or the postoperative course of the patients. In the LA group, there were two minor complications, no other complications were seen. When comparing the two surgical methods in the consistent group of patients with non-perforated acute appendicitis no statistical differences were see n in the operative time, hospital stay or in the recovery of the patients b etween the OA and the LA groups. We conclude that LA has no significant benefit over OA in routine use. In p aediatric patients we recommend an open approach for clinically typical acu te appendicitis, but there should be no hesitation to choose laparoscopic a pproach when the clinical diagnosis is unclear.