The purpose of study is to compare the laparoscopic appendectomy with the open appendectomy in the clinical outcomes.

From March 2001 to June 204, a total 118 appendectomy were retrospectively reviewed. These were comprised of 57 laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), and 61 open appendectomy (OA) selected by random method among 1193 poen appendectomy cases during same period. Hospital stay, length of operation times, recovery of bowel function, postoperative complication, postoperative pain, pathologic classification were compared in both groups.

The operation times were 68.6 minutes (LA) and 51.6 minutes (OA), respectively (p=0.021). There no statistical differences in the duration of hospital stay, recovery of bowel function, complication rate, although LA group trend the shorter duration of the hospital stay, faster recovery of bowel function and low rarte of complication than OA group. The patient's satisfaction was higher in LA group than OA because of the operation wound scar.

The LA was no difference clinical outcomes except operation time as compared with OA. LA, however, may be have the merit of minimal invasive surgery and satisfaction of patient. So, LA method is attractive option for the management of appendicitis.