Comparison of Laparoscopic vs Open Appendectomy: Outcomes and Recovery Time
1Dr M. Azhar Qureshi, 2Dr Shakeel Ahmed,3Dr Muhammad Parvez,4Dr Aman Ullah ,5Dr Farhat Bano, 6Dr Kaleem Akhtar
Submission: 18 January 2026 | Acceptance: 19 February 2026 | Publication: 28 March 2026,
1Associate professor of General Surgery, Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad
2Assistant professor, Surgery department Karachi Medical and Dental college, Karachi
3HOD, Wah Medical College, Islamabad
4Petroleum Limited Sui Field Hospital, Sui Balochistan
5Associate professor surgery SMBBMC (Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College)Lyari
6UHS
Abstract
Background
One of the most frequent surgical emergencies in the world is acute appendicitis. Although laparoscopic and open methods are frequently employed, appendectomy is still the standard of care. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical results, postoperative recuperation, and complications of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) with open appendectomy (OA).
Methods
120 patients with acute appendicitis were included in a comparative cross-sectional study. Patients were split into two groups: Group B (n = 60) had an open appendectomy, and Group A (n = 60) had a laparoscopic appendectomy. SPSS version 25 was used to record and evaluate demographic information, operation time, postoperative pain (measured by the Visual Analog Scale), length of hospital stay, recovery time, and postoperative complications. To compare results between groups, independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used; p < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results
Although the laparoscopic group’s mean operating time was marginally longer (52.6 ± 11.4 min) than the open group’s (45.8 ± 10.1 min), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.061). Significantly less postoperative discomfort (VAS 3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.4, p<0.001), a shorter hospital stay (2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2 days, p<0.001), and a quicker return to normal activities (7.5 ± 2.3 vs. 12.6 ± 3.1 days, p<0.001). The laparoscopic group experienced a significant decrease in wound infections and a decreased total complication rate (11.7% vs. 28.3%, p=0.024).
Conclusion
Even though laparoscopic appendectomy takes a little longer than open appendectomy, it offers better postoperative recovery, less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications. While OA is still useful in complex patients or environments with limited resources, LA is advised as the best course of action for simple acute appendicitis.
Keywords
Acute appendicitis, Laparoscopic appendectomy, Open appendectomy, Postoperative recovery, Surgical outcomes, Minimally invasive surgery, Complications