Outcomes of Open Versus Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review

Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency affecting people of diverse ages and frequently requires surgical intervention. Guidelines recommend appendectomy as the preferred treatment, and it can be done through laparoscopic or open approach. While both techniques have been well-studied worldwide. However, there have been few studies conducted specifically in Saudi Arabia. In this comprehensive review, we included 22 articles. The articles came from different cities and centers across Saudi Arabia, focusing on outcomes of open and laparoscopic appendectomies. Our results show that laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective. Patients who undergo this approach usually recover faster, go home from the hospital sooner, and have fewer complications afterward compared to traditional open surgery. However, some studies in our review suggest that both techniques might be equally effective in certain situations. In conclusion, our findings support laparoscopic appendectomy as a safe and effective treatment for acute appendicitis in Saudi Arabia.