title: [Can we recognize the pathological character of the appendix during laparoscopy? Prospective study: 81 cases].
abstract: In a prospective study of 81 patients, the appendix was photographed during a laparoscopy performed for pain in the right iliac fossa. An appendicectomy was performed in 65 patients, for the remaining 16, another cause for the pain was found and the appendix was left in place. The evaluation of the photographed appendix was formed afterwards by a group of 10 surgeons and compared with the histopathological results. In 20 cases (30%) the appendix was normal. In 7 (10%) minimal mucosal inflammation was found and in 38 (60%) acute appendicitis. All the surgeons correctly recognised acute appendicitis. The accuracy of recognition of a normal appendix was 70% overall, and the maximum risk of leaving an early form of appendicitis to evolve was 14%. We propose not removing an appendix judged to be normal during laparoscopy if no other cause for the pain is found. A short course of antibiotics would cover the low risk of allowing a very early appendicitis to develop.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive, Université Paris XIII, UFR de Médecine de Bobigny-Bondy, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Champault
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rizk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ziol
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Taffinder
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Catheline
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001065:Appendix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography
vernacular_title: Peut-on reconnaître le caractère pathologique de l'appendice en laparoscopie? Etude prospective : 81 cas.