J Korean Surg Soc.  2002 Mar;62(3):229-232.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy is Feasible for All Forms of Appendicitis

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. luislee@cmc.cuk.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE: Acute gangrenous and perforated appendicitis are associated with an increased risk for intraoperative conversion, postoperative complications and have been considered a relative contraindication for laparoscopic appendectomy. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach in all forms of appendicitis.
METHODS
A retrospective review of 101 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis (perforated appendicitis and periappendiceal abscess) between June 2000 and May 2001 was performed.
RESULTS
There were 84 patients with uncomplicated appendicitis (group A), 11 patients with perforated appendicitis (group B) and 16 patients with periappendiceal abscess (group C). The mean age of the patients was 42 (12~79) years and there were 47 men and 54 women. The mean operation time was 43, 67 and 105 minutes in groups A, B and C, respectively. Oral intake commenced at 1.4, 2.2 and 2.9 days and the hospital stay was 2.5, 2.9 and 5.2 days in groups A, B and C, respectively. There was no conversion to open surgery in groups A and B; however 4 patients in group C were converted. Complications were noted in 3 patients, one for each group. The overall complication rate was 2.9% and conversion rate, 0.9%.
CONCLUSION
Although our experience is limited, the laparoscopic appendectomy seems to be a feasible and safe procedure for all forms of apppendicitis, including periappendiceal abscess.

Keyword

Perforated; Appendicitis; Abscess; Laparoscopic appendectomy

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Appendectomy*
Appendicitis*
Conversion to Open Surgery
Female
Humans
Length of Stay
Male
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies
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