Outcomes of Transumbilical Laparoscopic-Assisted Appendectomy and Conventional Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Acute Pediatric Appendicitis in a Single Institution

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) is a potentially safe and feasible alternative to conventional laparoscopic appendectomy using three ports (CLA). However, the safety and efficacy of SILA for complicated appendicitis (gangrenous and perforated) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA) not only for simple appendicitis but also for complicated appendicitis, and to compare them with the outcomes of CLA. Methods: All cases of acute pediatric appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomies in our hospital from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. CLA was performed between January 2007 and October 2011, and TULAA was performed between November 2011 and December 2016. In this study, patients' demographics and operative outcomes for simple appendicitis (catarrhal and phlegmonous) and complicated appendicitis were analyzed, comparing the results of TULAA and CLA. Results: In total, 262 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy: CLA in 103 patients and TULAA in 159 patients. All appendectomies were performed in the acute phase. Complicated appendicitis accounted for 60 CLA cases and 81 TULAA cases. There were no significant differences in patients' demographics. Mean operative time in simple appendicitis was significantly shorter in TULAA than in CLA. In addition, complication rates in complicated appendicitis were significantly lower in TULAA than in CLA. Moreover, in each comparison, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in TULAA than in CLA. Conclusion: In our institution, TULAA has shown to be a safe and effective alternative for both simple and complicated appendicitis in children compared with CLA.