title: Emergency laparoscopic surgery--the Changi General Hospital experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper analyses the emergency laparoscopic procedures undertaken by our unit over a 1-year period in an effort to evaluate the diagnostic-therapeutic use of laparoscopy in an emergency situation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study that analysed 137 emergency laparoscopic procedures that were performed for patients who presented with acute abdominal pain over a 1-year period from 31 December 1999 to 31 December 2000.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A definitive diagnosis was made in 91.2% (125). Of the 78 cases that required surgical intervention, 71.8% (56) were performed laparoscopically. The conversion rate (to open surgery) was 16.8% (23) and the morbidity rate was 8% (11); with no mortalities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that laparoscopic surgery is effective and safe in the non-elective setting and it offers a high potential for diagnosis and therapy in selected patients in whom the diagnoses are equivocal.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Changi General Hospital. kevlee69@magix.com.sg
authors.forename: K B L
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012846:Singapore