Purpose: The laparoscopic appendectomy has advantages of a faster recovery and less postoperative pain than the open appendectomy. But, the factors influencing the operating time has not been well defined. The aim of this study is to review factors that may increase the operating time for the laparoscopic appendectomy.
Methods: Accumulated data of 115 laparoscopic appendectomies performed by chief residents between March 1999 and February 2001 were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: The mean operating time was 80.7 minutes, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.7 days. The following were not significantly associated with the longer operating time: preoperative ultrasonogram, the sex and the age. The pathologic type, the location of appendix, the body mass index and the J-P drain insertion were significantly related to the longer operating time. The postoperative complications were occurred in 8 patients including seven wound infections and one intraabdominal abscess, which were not significantly related to the longer operating time. The learning period (first 6 months vs. second 6 months) was not significantly related with the longer operating time.
Conclusion: The factors significantly increasing the operative time in laparoscopic appendectomy were overweight, complicated appendicitis and drain insertion.
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