Background and Study Aims: Laparoscopic appendicectomy had been well established by Semm before the popular
breakthrough of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis.
Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients with signs and symptoms of suspected appendicitis
necessitating surgery were selected for laparoscopic management between 1992 and 1999.
Results: A total of 331 patients were recruited into the study, 184 (56 %) male and 147 (44
%) female. The appendix was successfully removed laparoscopically in 98 % of the patients.
The median operating time was 63.3 minutes, and 93 % of the appendices removed were
histologically abnormal. Postoperative complications occurred in 19 patients (6 %),
and included wound infection (1 %), enterocutaneous fistula, pelvic abscess, hemorrhage,
urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection, incisional herniae and pain
at trocar sites. The mean hospital stay was 2.31 days (range 1 - 10 days).
Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe procedure with low morbidity. It is advantageous
in obese patients, patients with other pathology, and patients with an unusual position
of the appendix, and it has a low infection rate.
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A. Zaki, M.D.
Department of Surgery · Bon Secours Hospital
Renmore · Galway · Ireland
Fax: + 353-1-4142212
Email: alizaki24@hotmail.com
