Paediatric Surgery (Ukraine). 2026. 2(91): 76-82. doi: 10.15574/PS.2026.2(91).7682
Lozytskyi O. O.^1,2, Gonchar V. V.^1,2
1Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv
²Brovary Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital, Ukraine

For citation: Lozytskyi OO, Gonchar VV. (2026). The role of laparoscopic equipment in the treatment of acute gangrenous appendicitis and its complications in children. Paediatric Surgery (Ukraine). 2(91): 76-82. doi: 10.15574/PS.2026.2(91).7682.
Article received: Mar 02, 2026. Accepted for publication: Jun 15, 2026.

Aim – to improve treatment outcomes for children with gangrenous destruction of the appendix by optimizing the choice of surgical approach based on the technological generation of minimally invasive equipment
Materials and methods. Clinical records of 85 children with acute appendicitis were analyzed and divided into three groups based on the appendectomy method: Group I – 26 children who underwent open appendectomy; Group II – 29 children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) using first-generation laparoscopic equipment; Group III – 30 children who underwent LA using second-generation laparoscopic equipment. The following were evaluated: the presence and nature of complications related to the underlying pathology, duration of surgery, conversion rate, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.
Results. The conversion rate was 59% for Group I, 13% – for Group II, and 0% – for Group III. Average duration of surgery for Group I was 54 minutes; for Group II – 102 minutes; and for Group III – 100 minutes. Average length of hospital stay: for Group I was 7 days; for Group II – 10 days; and for Group III – 8 days.
Conclusions. In the event of resource shortages or when using first-generation equipment, the choice between LA and open appendectomy should depend on the patient’s condition and the stage of the disease. Conversely, the availability of second-generation equipment allows for the safe performance of LA even in the terminal stages of appendiceal destruction, minimizing conversions. However, this must be accompanied by mandatory risk management for the patient and a timely and appropriate transition to the open method. Given the uneven technical and economic resources available to hospitals, there is an urgent need to standardize the indications and contraindications for minimally invasive procedures in children.
The research was carried out in accordance with principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The informed agreement of parents was obtained for conducting the study.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy, laparoscopy, acute appendicitis, pediatric surgery, laparoscopic equipment.

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