Is there any clearly defined benefit to laparoscopic appendectomy?
- Laparoscopic appendectomy has been used with increased frequency compared with open appendectomy during the past decade.
- Multiple studies demonstrate a benefit in the pediatric, adult, older adult, and obese populations.
- Concerns remain about cost associated with laparoscopic appendectomy. One recent study demonstrated that the cost for nonperforated appendicitis was slightly higher. However, the cost for complicated appendicitis was lower.
- Overall there is a modest benefit of laparoscopic appendectomy in the uncomplicated case, which is more pronounced in the complicated cases.
