AIM: The aim of our study is to compare the pre, intra- and post-operative variables of the two surgical techniques, to demonstrate if laparoscopic appendectomy can be considered safer and associated to better outcome. MATERIAL OF STUDY: A retrospective analysis of 175 patients has been carried out. Alvarado score, time of surgery, analgesic therapy and length of hospital stay calculated. Finally, postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: From January 2011 - April 2016 175 patients were enrolled: 128pts underwent laparoscopic technique and 47pts open technique. The average value of Alvarado score is lower in LA group than in OA group just as the aver- age time of surgery and the use of post-operative analgesic therapy. DISCUSSION: LA has become the surgical technique mostly performed for the treatment of simple and complicated acute appendicitis. Our study shows that LA pts are younger with a statistically significant difference CONCLUSIONS: Most of the emergency appendectomies were performed via laparoscopic technique, especially in young patients. Laparoscopy is safer and associated to better outcome.