Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of single incision versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy in term of post operative pain and surgical site infection.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, Allama Iqbal Medical College/ Jinnah Hospital Lahore from 1st July 2017 to 30th June 2018.

Materials and Methods: A total of 340 patients with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were selected through Emergency Department of Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Standard and same pre and post operative care was given to all patients. Two equal groups were created. In Group A, the single incision laparoscopic appendectomy was performed while in Group B, conventional laparoscopic appendectomy was done. In single incision laparoscopic appendectomy, a single intra-umbilical incision was made and a multi-channel port was inserted. All the patients were assessed for postoperative pain at 24 hours by VAS and were discharged when tolerating oral soft diet and mobilized. The surgical outpatient follow ups were at 7, 15 and 30 days after surgery. The patients were assessed for SSIs.

Results: Patients mean age was 28.13±7.804 years. There was no difference between groups in term of distribution of age, gender and body mass index (p values 0.214, 0.586 and 0.773 respectively). The frequency of surgical site infection and mean pain scores were less in single incision laparoscopic appendectomy as compared to conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group (p values 0.014 and <0.0001 respectively).

Conclusion: Single incision laparoscopic appendectomy is better and safe procedure in term of postoperative pain and surgical site infection as compared to conventional laparoscopic appendectomy in patients undergoing LA for acute appendicitis.

Keywords: Postoperative, Surgical, Infections, Conventional, appendectomy,