title: [Laparoscopic appendectomy. Our experience].
abstract: The advantages and applications of the videolaparoscopic technique (VL) versus open surgery in the treatment of acute and complicated appendicitis are not well defined. Our study examined 150 patients, 67 males and 83 females. They underwent surgery for acute appendicitis in emergency. The choice between open or laparoscopic tecnique was due to patient's clinical conditions and surgeon's experience. Two of these patients had no infiammatory process. Eleven patients were affected by gynaecological diseases. The last 137 patients underwent surgery for acute appendicitis and the diagnosis was confirmed. Among them, 35 (25%) were affected by a complicated appendicitis with diffuse or clearly defined peritonitis. In 134 patients the surgery was completed laparoscopically. The conversion rate was 2%. Morbility rate was 3%, due to intra abdominal abscesses secondary to acute complicated appendicitis. The mean operative time was 76 min and the mean hospital stay was 4.8 days. The death rate was 0%. In our experience, laparoscopic appendectomy has significant advantages over traditional open surgery in both acute and complicated appendicitis, especially in young women. In this way, we can diagnose pelvic disease that could be characterized by the same symptoms of acute appendicitis, then we suggest laparoscopic appendectomy even just to complete the diagnostic iter. Laparoscopy is useful in terms of convalescence, postoperative pain, hospital stay, aesthetic outcome and an easier exploration of the peritoneal cavity.
authors.affiliation: Università Degli Studi di Bari, Dipartimento dell'Emergenza e dei Trapianti di Organi, Bari.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pezzolla
authors.forename: Marialessia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Milella
authors.forename: Serafina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lattarulo
authors.forename: Graziana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barile
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pascazio
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ialongo
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabiano
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Palasciano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult