Risk for Bowel Obstruction Following Laparoscopic and Open Appendectomy

Excerpt

The study “Laparoscopic approach to appendectomy reduces the incidence of short- and long-term post-operative bowel obstruction: systematic review and pooled analysis” was published in a previous issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.1 The authors have searched for published evidence on the incidence of bowel obstruction following laparoscopic or open appendectomy. The structured review process and the rigorous data collection are to be commented on and represent, to our view, the strengths of this work. The article concludes that bowel obstruction occurs more frequently after open than after laparoscopic appendectomy. The authors suggest that the laparoscopic approach should be considered in all cases of acute appendicitis, when technically feasible. We would disagree with the latter statement, as we consider that it is inconsistent with the study findings, the strength and the quality of the provided evidence. …