Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis

Background: Acute appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Complicated cases, particularly those with perforation or gangrene, pose a surgical challenge due to significant inflammation and altered anatomy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrogr...

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Main Authors: Mario Riquelme, Carlos Garcia-Hernandez, Irving Alan Cardenas-Medina, Ana Cantu-Zendejas, Alejandro Cendejas-Higuera
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Pediatric Surgery Open
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S294971162400073X
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author Mario Riquelme
Carlos Garcia-Hernandez
Irving Alan Cardenas-Medina
Ana Cantu-Zendejas
Alejandro Cendejas-Higuera
author_facet Mario Riquelme
Carlos Garcia-Hernandez
Irving Alan Cardenas-Medina
Ana Cantu-Zendejas
Alejandro Cendejas-Higuera
author_sort Mario Riquelme
collection DOAJ
description Background: Acute appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Complicated cases, particularly those with perforation or gangrene, pose a surgical challenge due to significant inflammation and altered anatomy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy (RLA) as an alternative technique in pediatric patients with complicated acute appendicitis, based on data collected over a 14-year period. This study also examines the surgical technique and potential complications associated with RLA. Methods: This retrospective, observational, and descriptive case series analyzed 30 cases of complicated acute appendicitis treated with RLA from a total of 415 laparoscopic appendectomies performed over 14 years. The patients' ages ranged from 4 to 18 years. Dissection began at the appendicular base, progressing retrogradely to the tip. Variables analyzed included operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and conversion rates to open surgery. Results: The study included 19 boys (63 %) and 11 girls (37 %). The average operative time was 75 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 4 days. There were no conversions to open surgery. Postoperative complications were limited to abscess formation at the port sites in 10 % of cases. No intraoperative complications or residual intra-abdominal abscesses were reported. Conclusion: Retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy (RLA) is a safe and effective technique for managing complicated acute appendicitis in pediatric patients. It is a reproducible procedure for surgeons with experience in laparoscopic techniques, offering a viable alternative in complex cases. Type of study: Retrospective, observational, and descriptive case series. Level of evidence: Level IV
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spelling doaj-art-a8451e1f6a4c46c793e002e9beb114452025-08-20T03:14:49ZengElsevierJournal of Pediatric Surgery Open2949-71162025-04-011010018810.1016/j.yjpso.2024.100188Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysisMario Riquelme0Carlos Garcia-Hernandez1Irving Alan Cardenas-Medina2Ana Cantu-Zendejas3Alejandro Cendejas-Higuera4Division of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Christus Muguerza, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Corresponding author at: 15 de Mayo 1822-l, Maria Luisa, Nuevo Obispado, 64040 Monterrey, N.L. , MexicoPrivate Children's Hospital, Mexico City, MexicoMexican Social Security Institute #25, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, MexicoHospital Christus Muguerza, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, MexicoHospital Christus Muguerza, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, MexicoBackground: Acute appendicitis is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Complicated cases, particularly those with perforation or gangrene, pose a surgical challenge due to significant inflammation and altered anatomy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy (RLA) as an alternative technique in pediatric patients with complicated acute appendicitis, based on data collected over a 14-year period. This study also examines the surgical technique and potential complications associated with RLA. Methods: This retrospective, observational, and descriptive case series analyzed 30 cases of complicated acute appendicitis treated with RLA from a total of 415 laparoscopic appendectomies performed over 14 years. The patients' ages ranged from 4 to 18 years. Dissection began at the appendicular base, progressing retrogradely to the tip. Variables analyzed included operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and conversion rates to open surgery. Results: The study included 19 boys (63 %) and 11 girls (37 %). The average operative time was 75 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 4 days. There were no conversions to open surgery. Postoperative complications were limited to abscess formation at the port sites in 10 % of cases. No intraoperative complications or residual intra-abdominal abscesses were reported. Conclusion: Retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy (RLA) is a safe and effective technique for managing complicated acute appendicitis in pediatric patients. It is a reproducible procedure for surgeons with experience in laparoscopic techniques, offering a viable alternative in complex cases. Type of study: Retrospective, observational, and descriptive case series. Level of evidence: Level IVhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S294971162400073XRetrograde laparoscopic appendectomyAcute AppendicitisComplicated appendicitisLaparoscopic SurgeryMinimally Invasive SurgeryLaparoscopic Appendectomy
spellingShingle Mario Riquelme
Carlos Garcia-Hernandez
Irving Alan Cardenas-Medina
Ana Cantu-Zendejas
Alejandro Cendejas-Higuera
Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Open
Retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy
Acute Appendicitis
Complicated appendicitis
Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
title Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis
title_full Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis
title_fullStr Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis
title_full_unstemmed Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis
title_short Efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis: A 14- year retrospective analysis
title_sort efficacy and safety of retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric complicated appendicitis a 14 year retrospective analysis
topic Retrograde laparoscopic appendectomy
Acute Appendicitis
Complicated appendicitis
Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S294971162400073X
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