[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.
Twena
M
M
Dept. of Surgery C, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheba.
Avinoah
E
E
Shaked
G
G
Charuzi
I
I
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous