Comparative Study of Open and Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

Background: Appendicectomy is the most common emergency abdominal surgery. Both open and laparoscopic approaches are practiced, yet debate continues regarding operative time, postoperative recovery, complications, and cost-effectiveness. Objectives: To compare open and laparoscopic appendicectomy with respect to operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, complications, and return to normal activity. Methods: Aprospective comparative study was conducted on 66 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis at R.N.T. Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Patients were randomized to either open appendicectomy (n=33) or laparoscopic appendicectomy (n=33). Data were analyzed using SPSS; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean operative time was lower in laparoscopic group (29.7 ± 3.9 min) vs open (43.3 ± 6.0 min, p<0.001). Postoperative pain score (VAS) was significantly lower in LA (1.36 ± 0.48) compared to OA (3.24 ± 0.81, p<0.001). Hospital stay was shorter in LA (2.0 ± 0.68 vs 2.8 ± 0.77 days, p<0.001). Wound infection was significantly higher in OA (28% vs 3%, p<0.05). Return to work was earlier in LA(8.7 ± 2.8 vs 11.3 ± 6.4 days, p=0.007). Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendicectomy offers benefits of reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, fewer complications, and earlier recovery, though OAremains cost-effective. Choice should be individualized.