Determination of the Outcomes of Laparoscopic Appendecectomies at the University Teaching Hospital, Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have demonstrated the superiority of Laparoscopic appendicectomy in managing acute appendicitis. Acute appendicitis has been managed solely by open appendicectomy at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). This was the first study that looked at the management of acute appendicitis by laparoscopy at UTH. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of laparoscopic appendicectomy at UTH. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that included patients that were diagnosed with acute uncomplicated appendicitis. All patients admitted between August 2015 to March 2016 were included in the study. Variables analyses were patient’s data (age, gender, previous surgery, WBC count, symptoms, signs, symptoms), operating time, intra\post operative complications, and length of stay. Results: A total of 9 laparoscopic appendicectomies were performed during the study period. The patients had an average age of 31.8 years and were predominantly female (70%). One case was converted to open appendicectomy and was not included in the laparoscopic data group. The mean operative time for the procedure was 75.5 min (range 50-110min). The length of stay was on average 2.3 days (range 2-3 days). The patients in the study had no complications noted during the follow-up period. No patient developed an intraabdominal abscess during the study period. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendicectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis resulted in good surgical outcomes in this institution compared to the regional statistics as a reference point. It may be preferred in patients presenting with uncomplicated appendicitis or where the diagnosis is equivocal. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is recommended, especially for the young female patients in our setting.