Experience with laparoscopic appendectomy

During April to August 1992, laparoscopies were performed in this department in 35 of 100 cases of appendicitis. The average patient age was 29 years; 18 of the 35 (51%) were women; 3 patients were operated on electively, and the rest as emergencies. Appendectomy was performed in 33 (94%), but not in 2 women with sepsis due to tubo-ovarian abscess; In 1 of these 2 we had to convert to laparotomy. Acute appendicitis was found in 20 (57%). In 7 women (20%) gynecologic disease was diagnosed. In 1 case (3%) a carcinoid tumor of the tip of the appendix was found and in another primary peritonitis. In the remaining 6 (17%) no lesions were found. In 33 (94%) a regular diet was resumed 25 hours postoperatively and 25 (71%) were discharged the day after operation. The only complication was an abdominal wall hematoma in a single case, which resolved spontaneously. It is our impression that laparoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool in acute appendicitis, that it is a safe route for appendectomy, and that recovery is quick with minimal complications.