Laparoscopic appendectomy, surgical technique in 100 cases

We present our experience with laparoscopic appendectomy. From July 1992 to September 1995 we adopted this technique for 100 non selected patients; age was 23 years (range 11-63). Five patients had associated procedures: 4 right groin hernia repairs (TAPP) and 1 cholecystectomy. In 18 patients we have found a gynaecological disease. Conversion to conventional laparotomy was required only in one patient. We had 2 minor complications, acid a major one: a hemoperitoneum (1 liter that we have attributed to wound of the epigastric vessels by a trocart. The postoperative course was better than after open surgery: patients were discharged 2 days (range 1-10) after the operation, and had minimal postoperative pain. We finally present an instrument created by us which can be used to execute any type of extracorporeal ligatures. Laparoscopy is an excellent way to diagnose other intraabdominal diseases: it allows a much more thorough exploration of the entire abdomen and pelvis than a Mc Burney incision.