@article{Nikolovski_Otljanski_Seljmani_Antovic_Jankulovski_2021, title={Mastering the learning curve significantly reduces operative time for laparoscopic treatment of complicated appendicitis}, volume={13}, url={https://id-press.eu/aph/article/view/6000}, DOI={10.3889/aph.2021.6000}, abstractNote={<p>Laparoscopic appendectomy is the preferred operative method for acute appendicitis<br />treatment. In terms of complicated appendicitis it can be effective in hands of an experienced<br />laparoscopist that overwhelmed the learning curve for the method. Aim: Тhis retrospective<br />study examines whether the operative time for laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated<br />appendicitis is shortened after mastering the learning curve. Material and methods: A total<br />number of 196 patients were operated for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, of whom 77<br />were diagnosed with complicated appendicitis. They were subsequently divided in two groups<br />(laparoscopic and open). Operative time in both groups was measured and the conversion<br />and postoperative complications were noted. Results: Conversion rate was 2.3%. Operative<br />time was shorter in the laparoscopic group (67.4 ± 22.9 vs. 77.9 ± 17.9 minutes; p = 0.033).<br />Overall postoperative morbidity was 25.97% with wound infection present only in the open<br />group (p = 0.018). Intraabdominal abscess occurred in one patient from the laparoscopic<br />group (0.38%). Length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (4.3 ± 2.2 vs. 5.7 ± 2.1, <em>p</em> = 0.0052).</p> <p> </p>}, number={2}, journal={Archives of Public Health}, author={Nikolovski, Andrej and Otljanski, Aleksandar and Seljmani, Rexhep and Antovic, Svetozar and Jankulovski, Nikola}, year={2021}, month={Nov.}, pages={96–100} }