[Laparoscopy and suspected acute appendicitis].

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In 2002, more patients with suspected appendicitis were treated laparoscopically than conventionally in our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 patients were identified by procedure codes. Case notes and charts were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: 73 patients were treated by an open approach, as opposed to 127 (63 %) treated laparoscopically. 21 (17 %) of these were converted to an open procedure. Significantly more women (90 out of 111) than men (37 out of 87) were treated laparoscopically. Non-inflamed and perforated appendices amounted to 22 and 17 % respectively. Postoperative hospital stays were short and of the same length in both groups (median 2 days), but operating time was longer for laparoscopy. Six patients operated conventionally had to be treated for a superficial wound infection, whereas no superficial wound infection occurred in the group treated laparoscopically. INTERPRETATION: Laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis is a very useful diagnostic tool. When the diagnosis is established, few other benefits from laparoscopy are evident. The hospital stay after an open appendectomy is short and cannot be expected to be cut further by a laparoscopic approach.