Evidence
This table is a summary of the analysis reported in a Cochrane Clinical Answer that focuses on the above important clinical question.
Confidence in the evidence is moderate or low to moderate where GRADE has been performed and the intervention may be more effective/beneficial than the comparison for key outcomes.
Population: Adults and adolescents with suspected appendicitis
Intervention: Laparoscopic appendectomy
Comparison: Conventional appendectomy (open surgery, most using a McBurney/muscle-splitting method)
| Outcome | Effectiveness (BMJ rating)? | Confidence in evidence (GRADE)? |
|---|---|---|
Wound infections (time point unclear) | Favors intervention | Moderate |
Intra‐abdominal abscess (follow‐up range from hospital discharge to 1 year) | Favors comparison | Moderate |
Pain intensity on day 1 postoperatively | Favors intervention | Low |
Length of hospital stay | Favors intervention | Low |
Time until return to normal activity | Favors intervention | Low |
Note The Cochrane Clinical Answer (CCA) notes that intra-abdominal abscesses are more likely to occur with laparoscopic surgery, but also notes that the Cochrane reviewers did not stratify this in relation to the pathology of the appendix, resulting in some uncertainty as to which approach is preferable in patients with complicated appendicitis.
This evidence table is related to the following section/s:
Cochrane Clinical Answers
- For adults and adolescents with suspected appendicitis, how does laparoscopic appendectomy compare with conventional appendectomy?
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