Introduction: Laparoscopic appendectomy and open appendectomy are the two methods of choice for appendectomy, the acceptance of laparoscopy over laparotomy still remaining a dogma. The specific aim was to compare the outcomes of both the methods in a district hospital setup.

Methods: A non-randomized interventional study was performed in a district hospital for a period of 1 year and follow up period of 3 months in the post op period at regular intervals after 1week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-op.

Statistical Analysis Used: The data was entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and then analyzed using the SPSS 20.0.1 and Graph Pad Prism version 5.

Results: Lesser hospital stay, intra and post-op analgesia, post-op pain, smaller scars and earlier ambulation, post-op feed and recovery in case of laparoscopic appendectomy as compared to open appendectomy.

Conclusion: Superiority of laparoscopic appendectomy over open appendectomy and can undoubtedly be the surgery of choice for both acute and recurrent acute appendicitis in a district level setup in India with better training, manpower and cost effectiveness.

Keywords: Laparoscopy, appendectomy, open, district hospital.

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Dr Ramanuj Mukherjee

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