Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis: a meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis of 39 studies comparing laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis found laparoscopic approach superior in most outcomes: shorter hospital stay, lower surgical site infection rates, and reduced readmissions, with no difference in intraabdominal abscess formation. Despite longer operative time, laparoscopic appendectomy should be the preferred approach for complicated appendicitis in children.