Journal of the American College of Surgeons
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy: beyond the learning curve.
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Ligation versus anticoagulation: treatment of above-knee superficial thrombophlebitis not involving the deep venous system.
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: a metaanalysis.
There have been numerous retrospective and uncontrolled series of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), as well as 16 prospective randomized studies published to date. Although most of these have concluded that the laparoscopic technique is as least as good as open appendectomy (OA), there has been considerable controversy as to whether LA is superior. To help clarify this issue, we performed a metaanalysis of the randomized prospective studies. ⋯ LA offers considerable advantages over OA, primarily because of its ability to reduce the incidence of wound infections and shorten recovery times. Its widespread acceptance should be considered. The trend toward increased intraabdominal abscess formation is worrisome, however, and demands further investigation.