ABSTRACT

Advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopy in appendectomy is still being investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate open and laparoscopic appendectomies in terms of alternative diagnosis in negative appendectomies.

A total of 397 patients who underwent open appendectomy between January 2010-April 2014 and 120 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between April 2014-December 2014 in a single institution were included in the study. Average age and gender distribution, preoperative findings (average Alvarado scores and ultrasonographic findings), rate of negative appendectomies and alternative diagnoses were compared.

Patient demographics, preoperative findings and rate of negative appendectomies were all similar in laparoscopic and open groups but the rate of the alternative diagnoses in negative appendectomies in laparoscopic group was significantly greater than in open group.

Laparoscopy is an additional diagnotic tool to diagnose alternative pathologic findings in negative appendectomies.

Keywords: Open appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, negative appendectomy, alternative diagnosis