Aim:
In this study, we described acute appendicitis and evaluated outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy versus open appendectomy in geriatric patients (aged ≥ 80 years).
Method:
We performed a retrospective review of geriatric patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between dates 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2018. We analyzed 32 appendectomies in elderly patients. Sstatistical analyses were performed to compare differences in the demographic data, clinical and laboratuary findings, screening methods, surgical techniques, operative and postoperative information between groups.
Results:
We analyzed 32 appendectomies in geriatric patients. Of them, 18 were performed by laparoscopic technique, and 14 by open technique. In the analysis of intraoperative and postoperative variables there was no statistically significant difference. However, laparoscopy still was associated with a shorter hospitalization duration.
Conclusion:
Since presenting symptoms are often nonspecific in geriatric patients, high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary to diagnose acute appendicitis. The data suggest that laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with improved clinical outcomes in geriatry.
Keywords: Geriatry, open appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy