Rising trend for keyhole appendix removal benefits kids

New University of Sydney research finds laparoscopic (keyhole) appendicectomy for children improves outcomes and is associated with a shorter length of hospital stay, compared to open appendicectomy. 'Keyhole' appendicectomies produce better health outcomes in children up to 16 years finds a new study that compares the post-operative outcomes of open versus laparoscopic appendicectomies (LA). Led by the University of Sydney, the study was published today in Medical Journal of Australia . Paediatric appendicectomy for acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency surgeries performed in children. The study of 23,961 children found a significant increase in the proportion of laparoscopic (keyhole) appendicectomies performed in children between 2002 and 2013, rising from 12 percent to 86 percent. This is the first study to include and assess post-operative emergency department presentations. "The results show laparoscopic appendicectomy for children improves outcomes and is associated with a shorter length of hospital stay, compared to open procedure," said Dr Francisco Schneuer , Research Fellow from University of Sydney's Clinical School at the Children's Hospital at Westmead.