A Comparative Analysis of Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes: Laparoscopic versus Open Appendectomy for Acute Appendicitis (A Prospective Cohort Study)

Background: Acute appendicitis is among the most prevalent causes of emergency abdominal surgery. Although laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has become widely practiced, open appendectomy (OA) remains common in many regions. This prospective cohort study provides a comprehensive comparison of both short-term and long-term outcomes of LA versus OA. Methods:A total of ۲۸۴ adult patients with confirmed acute appendicitis were followed for ۲۴ months. Patients were grouped into LA (n=۱۴۸) and OA (n=۱۳۶). Outcome parameters included operative time, postoperative pain, complications, hospitalization duration, time to resume normal activities, and one-year outcomes such as chronic pain, incisional hernia, recurrence, and quality-of-life scores. Results: LA resulted in significantly lower postoperative pain, reduced infection rates, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery. Long-term follow-up demonstrated lower incidence of incisional hernia and chronic abdominal pain. Operative time was slightly longer for LA but not statistically significant. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy provides superior clinical outcomes in both short- and long-term evaluations and is recommended as the preferred approach for uncomplicated acute appendicitis.