Application of laparoscopy in acute appendicitis for the elderly: A single center experience

Background and purpose: Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis is gold standard for adult patients in the world. The incidence of appendicitis in the elderly has risen. The aim of this study was to compare post-operatory outcomes in old patients with acute appendicitis approached by laparoscopy versus open surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the data of elderly patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 1 st of January 2010 to the 1 st of August 2017. We analysed 286 appendectomies in elderly patients: 214 patients were operated by laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and 72 patient were underwent Open Appendectomy (OA). Results: The operation time was slightly longer in the LA group (P<0.001), but the time of recovery inflammatory response, time for diet and hospital stay were significantly shorter in LA group than that in OA group. Complications: the rate of surgical site infection in LA group was less than that in OA group, and the rate of pneumonia between LA group and OA group was similar. Conclusions: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be recommended as first choice for old patients with appendicitis.