Long-term follow-up for adhesive small bowel obstruction after open versus laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the frequency of readmissions due to small bowel obstruction (SBO) after open versus laparoscopic surgery performed for suspected acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common disease, with a lifetime risk of approximately 7%. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for most patients. Postoperative adhesions are common after abdominal surgery, including appendectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients, 16 years or older, operated on because of suspected appendicitis at 2 university hospitals between 1992 and 2007 were included. The prime approach was open at one hospital and laparoscopic at the other hospital. Open and laparoscopic procedures were compared retrospectively, reviewing the patients' charts until the middle of 2012. Hospitalization for SBO after index surgery was registered.

RESULTS: A total of 2333 patients in the open group and 2372 patients in the laparoscopic group were included. The frequency of hospitalization for SBO was low in both groups, although a difference between the groups was identified (1.0% in the open group and 0.4% in the laparoscopic group) (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization due to SBO, between open and laparoscopic procedures, in patients operated on because of suspected appendicitis demonstrated a significant difference, favoring the laparoscopic approach. The frequency of SBO after the index surgery was, though, low in both groups.