Appendicitis is one of the commonest causes of pain abdomen in all age groups. This study was conducted from January 2011 to 2012, for a period of 12months in J.S.S Medical college and Hospital, Mysore. The aim of the study is to compare open and laproscopic appendicectomy with respect yto postoperative hospital stay , pain , recover, complications and cost. Methods For this study 100 patients (59 males and 41 females) with a diagnosis of suspected appendicitis between January 2011 to 2012 were randomly assigned either to OA (n=50) or LA(n=50).All 100 cases satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Wound infection was significant higher in the open group (10%) than in the laparoscopic group(0%;p<0.000). There were no intraabdominal infections in both groups. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group(p<0.000), but operative time was a little longer than in the open group(p<0.000). There was no conversion to open surgery. Laparoscopic group was associated with less pain (p<0.001) as compare to open group. Return to normal activity was earlier in laparoscopic group(p<0.000) than in the open group at the cost of hospital expenses(p<0.000). Conclusion Laparoscopic appendicectomy offers significant improvement in postoperative outcomes at the cost of a longer operation and hospital expenses.

Keywords: Open appendicectomy, Laparoscopic appendicectomy