Review of 47 laparoscopic appendectomies.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the indications, technique, complications, and outcome of endoscopic appendectomies.


METHODS
Retrospective study with a follow-up of 2 years.


METHODS
A gynecologic surgical center in Hamburg, Germany.


METHODS
Forty-seven women who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.


METHODS
Appendectomies were performed under general anesthesia with bipolar coagulation, loop-ligation, and transection.


RESULTS
Forty-seven patients have been followed for 2 years. Thirty laparoscopic appendectomies (LA) were incidental and 17 elective. The majority of LA were performed because of pain symptoms. More than 50% of the patients reported complete pain relief after LA. The average duration of surgery was 47 minutes. The average hospital stay was 66 hours. Use of analgesics was low; 19 women required no analgesia. A febrile reaction was registered in 6%. No wound infection occurred. Two serious complications were noted: one acute peritonitis after 4 days, and one stump abscess after 4 weeks. Both patients recovered uneventfully.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe surgery if the described technique is followed. The complication rate is low, conversion rate is zero, and late results underline successful treatment of pain.
Lueken
R P
RP
Center for Gynecologic Endoscopy, Altonaer Str. 59-61, 20357 Hamburg, Germany,
Moeller
C P
CP
Heeckt
B
B
Schaefer
C
C
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000601:surgery; D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics