Laparoscopic appendectomy and minilaparoscopic approach: a retrospective review after 8-years' experience.

BACKGROUND: This is a presentation of our 8-year experience in laparoscopic appendectomy, showing complications and results to determine the advantages and efficacy of laparoscopy. METHODS: We used this technique from December 1990 to December 1998 on 282 consecutive and non-selected patients (169 females and 113 males) with an average age of 24 years (range 5-86 years). All patients were suffering from sub-acute appendicitis or chronic appendicopathies, except for 84 (29.7%) cases of acute appendicitis and 25 (8.9%) cases of gangrenous appendicitis with peritonitis. All patients with suspected appendicitis were evaluated with a laparoscopic exploration. RESULTS: In 39 patients (13.9%), appendectomy was performed along with 19 enucleated or endocoagulated ovarian cysts, 8 adhesiolyses, 6 transperitoneal hernioplasties (4 right and 2 left), 2 cholecystectomies, 2 excisions of a Meckel diverticulum, 1 aspiration and suture of a right tubal pregnancy and 1 electrodesiccation of pelvic endometriosis. Thirty-five patients (12.5%) revealed the presence of a gynecological-type pathology. We performed 2 (0.7%) conversions to open exploration and experienced 6 (2.1%) complications, of which only 1 (0.35%) was a major complication: a delayed hemoperitoneum (1 liter), re-operated elsewhere, the cause of which was not identified. We performed 4 (1.4%) relaparoscopies for retrocecal abscess (three patients with primary gangrenous appendicitis and peritonitis presenting with an abscess in the right iliac fossa and in one patient with widespread intestinal adhesions with primary acute appendicitis). No patient with a diagnosis of a normal appendix developed an intraperitoneal abscess. Mortality was non-existent. The postoperative course, which was subjectively better than in cases operated in the traditional way, was, on an average, 2 days (range 1-18 days) for appendectomies carried out with the traditional laparoscopic technique and 1 day for appendectomies carried out with the minilaparoscopic technique (6 patients). CONCLUSION: We believe that the laparoscopic technique can handle any type of clinical situation, as it can cure several pathologies during the same session with minimal trauma and maximum benefit for the patient. The advantages of a minilaparoscopy approach are based on its low invasiveness and small surgical wounds.     

Minilaparoscopic appendectomy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using 2-mm laparoscopic instruments in the treatment of appendicitis and to identify risk factors that may limit their use. Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was performed through a 2-mm port in the umbilicus for a videoendoscope, a 2-mm working port in the right upper quadrant, and a 5/12-mm suprapubic port for an endoscopic stapler. Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was attempted in 26 consecutive patients with appendicitis. Thirty-two consecutive patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic appendectomy with 5- and 10-mm instruments and videoendoscopes before the availability of 2-mm instrumentation were analyzed for comparison. Statistical comparisons were made by the Student t test and Fisher exact test. Differences were considered statistically significant at a P value less than 0.05. There were no conversions to an open appendectomy in the minilaparoscopic appendectomy or conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group. The mean operative time was 69.5 minutes for the minilaparoscopic appendectomy group and 85.5 minutes for the conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group (P = 0.02). The mean postoperative length of stay was 1.7 days for the minilaparoscopic appendectomy group and 2.5 days for the conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group (P = 0.08). There was no significant difference in the complication rates (P = 0.31). Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was completed in 13 (50.0%) patients. Independent risk factors (P = 0.05) for conversion to 5- or 10-mm ports were a retrocecal appendix and increasing patient age. There were no differences in the mean postoperative length of stay (P = 0.12) or complication rate (P = 0.39) between the two groups, but mean operative time was longer (P = 0.05) in the converted group. Perioperative outcomes for minilaparoscopic appendectomy are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic appendectomy. The use of 2-mm instrumentation in the management of appendicitis is limited in patients with retrocecal appendicitis. Increasing patient age and a history of abdominal surgery may influence the need to convert 2-mm ports to 5- or 10-mm ports.     

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy: an early experience

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain that a general surgeon will encounter. We describe our modification to the laparoscopic appendectomy: a single-incision laparoscopic (SILS) appendectomy completed entirely intracorporeally. From September 2008 to September 2009, a retrospective review of the electronic medical record was performed in all patients who underwent a SILS appendectomy to specifically analyze the demographic characteristics, time in the operating room to perform SILS appendectomy, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Twenty-five patients underwent SILS appendectomy in the study period. There were 18 males and seven females with a mean age of 41 ± 15 years and mean body mass index of 26.5 ± 5 kg/m2. Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy was performed successfully in all of our cases (100%). Mean operative time was 56 ± 16 minutes. Blood loss in all cases was minimal and there were no intraoperative complications. We successfully completed 25 appendectomies using the SILS method. Operative times were similar compared with the traditional laparoscopic technique. We believe that the SILS appendectomy is a safe and effective method that leaves a virtually invisible scar.     

腹腔镜阑尾切除术368例报告

目的总结腹腔镜阑尾切除术（laparoscopic appendetectomy，LA）的经验。方法回顾性分析1998年3月～2005年3月我院行LA治疔368例阑尾炎的临床资料，其中单纯性阑尾炎35例，化脓性阑尾炎276例，阑尾穿孔腹膜炎39例，慢性阑尾炎18例。结果5例中转开腹。363例成功完成LA，手术时间22—55min，平均30．5min；术中出血量2-10ml。腹腔残余感染、粘连性肠梗阻各1例，保守治愈；盆腔脓肿1例，腹腔镜下脓肿引流治愈。结论熟练掌握腹腔镜技术治疗阑尾炎可取得满意效果。     

Laparoscopic appendectomy with endoloop: results of our experience

There are several different techniques for laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), with different material requirements and approach. We present the results from our series, where we employ monopolar hook for mesoappendix dissection and double polyglactin endoloop for ligation of appendicular stump. The appendix is taken out through the Hasson trocar without any contact with abdominal wall, in a completely laparoscopic procedure. We sought to analyze the security of this technique. We reviewed retrospectively every LA for acute appendicitis performed during the last 10 years in our Hospital. We collected data regarding surgical procedure and postoperative outcome, focusing on intraoperative or postoperative complications. A total of hundred and ten (110) LA for acute appendicitis (from simple appendicitis to perforated appendicitis) were performed. Mean operative time was 74.7 minutes (median 70 min, SD 24.43 min, min. 25, max. 130 min). Ten patients (9.09%) had postoperative complications, consisting in intraabdominal abscess in 6 patients (5.4%) and wound infection in 3 patients (2.7%). No major complication was found, as uncontrolled hemorrhage, bowel perforation or stump dehiscence. No patient needed a second surgical procedure in the postoperative time. Laparoscopic appendectomy with polyglactin endoloops is a completely laparoscopic and safe procedure, without any intraoperative complication in our series. Laparoscopic approach with 12 mm Hasson trocar and two 5 mm working trocars allows a nice aesthetic result.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute and recurrent appendicitis: retrospective analysis of a single-group 5-year experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Twenty years after the first report of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), its role in the treatment of appendicitis is still under debate. We report herein a retrospective analysis of our cases of LA in the last 5 years, during which we adopted a policy of an almost uniform laparoscopic approach on a rather selected population composed mainly of women with acute or recurrent lower quadrant abdominal pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed on 33 male and 98 female patients. The mean age at operation was 25.7+/-11.4 years (range 11-59 years). Acute appendicitis with localized or diffuse peritonitis was present in 34 cases. In the remaining 97 patients, the operation was performed for acute or recurring symptoms of lower quadrant abdominal pain. RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery. The operating time was 45+/-17 minutes (range 30-110 minutes). The pathology examination of the removed appendices showed acute appendicitis in 34 cases and chronic inflammation in the remaining 97 patients. In one case, histology revealed a coexisting mucinous carcinoid that extended to the perivisceral fat, and a completion right hemicolectomy was performed. Complications were minor in most cases. Reoperation for deep abdominal abscess or hematoma was required in three cases. The mean hospital stay was 2.59+/-1.58 days (range 24 hours-11 days). CONCLUSION: In our hands, LA has proven to be safe and effective. The laparoscopic operation has significant advantages in terms of lower invasiveness and better diagnostic capability. It is especially useful in women of child-bearing age, in whom it may be considered the procedure of choice.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: indications and current use.

Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in 43 consecutive patients with right lower abdominal pain and preoperative diagnosis of possible appendicitis. Patients with generalized peritonitis and evidence of perforation of the appendix were not considered for laparoscopy. Visualization was sufficient for making a diagnosis in 97.7% of the cases. In 95%, laparoscopic findings were compatible with the pathology report. Thirty-five patients underwent successful laparoscopic appendectomy with neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications. No further surgery was required; slightly elevated temperatures in 6 patients responded to treatment with antibiotics, and there were no wound infections. Laparoscopic appendectomy is minimally invasive and results in less postoperative pain and morbidity and fewer adhesions and other long-term sequelae than conventional laparotomy. It is associated with superior cosmetic results, a shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activities. This experience suggests that if there is no evidence that the appendix is perforated or that generalized peritonitis exists and if qualified physicians and adequate facilities are available, patients presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and possible appendicitis are best evaluated and treated with laparoscopic technique.     

Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children

Background and Objectives:

The advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy over open appendectomy have not yet been clearly demonstrated. The present study evaluated our early experience with laparoscopic appendectomy in children, in terms of its safety, effectiveness, technical difficulties, and economics.

Methods:

We reviewed the records of 50 cases involving laparoscopic appendectomy performed at our affiliated institutions between September, 1994, and September, 1996. Patient age ranged from 6 to 18 years (mean, 14 years). Thirty-two patients had acute nonperforated appendicitis, six had perforated appendicitis, two had fibrosis of the appendix, and ten had a histologically normal appendix.

Results:

In five patients the laparoscopic procedures were converted to open appendectomies because of technical difficulties. There were postoperative complications in four patients: one incomplete appendectomy which subsequently required an open appendectomy for completion, one pelvic abscess, one bowel obstruction, and one minor wound infection.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure. It takes longer operative time than open appendectomy. Length of hospitalization and incidence of postoperative complications are equivalent to those of open appendectomy. Economic benefits are difficult to assess at present. In sum, we believe that with better training, surgical techniques and equipment, laparoscopic appendectomy will eventually become the surgical procedure of choice in appendicitis.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for simple and complicated appendicitis in children--safe or risky procedure

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to present our experience and to assess the advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy, particularly in children with perforated appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2005, 505 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. In children aged between 2 and 18 years, number, sex, age, histologic type of appendicitis, additional surgical procedures, number and type of complications, time of procedure, and hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no need for conversion even in perforated appendicitis and in technically difficult cases. In 21 (4.16%) children in postoperative period minor complications occurred. Average operating time was 43 minutes. Average hospital stay was 2.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is good alternative for classic appendectomy, irrespective of the degree of inflammation. Accurate cleaning and rinsing of the abdominal cavity essentially decreases the quantity of complications even in cases with perforated appendicitis. This suggests the expansion of indications toward laparoscopic appendectomy in case of all children with acute appendicitis.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis

Purpose

To address whether laparoscopic appendectomy could be an alternative to conventional open appendectomy in children with complicated appendicitis as well as uncomplicated appendicitis, a retrospective study comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomies was performed.

Methods

One hundred patients who were treated by immediate appendectomy, either laparoscopically or by the open method, between May 2000 and August 2003 were included in the study. There were 53 patients in the laparoscopic appendectomy group and 47 patients in the open appendectomy group.

Results

The operating time was significantly longer for laparoscopic appendectomy than for open appendectomy (P < .001). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis (P = .001). Thirteen of the 100 patients (13.0%) had 15 postoperative complications including wound infection (n = 8), intraabdominal abscess (n = 4), stitch abscess (n = 2), and small bowel obstruction (n = 1). In both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, there was no significant difference between laparoscopic and open appendectomies in the complication rates, and the incidences of each complication did not differ between the procedures. Among the 14 patients with generalized peritonitis, postoperative complications were seen in 5 patients (35.7%). Although the presence of generalized peritonitis was associated significantly with postoperative complications (P = .017), there was no significant association between the procedure and complications. Overall treatment costs were increased by 26.0% in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic appendectomy should remain an option in children with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, and when laparoscopy is selected, consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure is essential.     

Perforated appendicitis is not a contraindication to laparoscopy.

Recent studies have reported an increased risk of intra-abdominal abscess formation following laparoscopic operation for perforated appendicitis. We undertook this study to compare laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in the treatment of perforated appendicitis. Records of all patients undergoing an appendectomy between January 1994 and June 1997 were reviewed, classifying appendicitis as acute, gangrenous, or perforated based on the intraoperative findings. Operative procedures were categorized as open, laparoscopic converted to open, or laparoscopic. The study group included 690 patients; four hundred fourteen (60%) were acute, 77 (11%) were gangrenous, and 199 (29%) were perforated. Although mean length of stay was shorter for all patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy, patients with perforated appendicitis had similar length of stay between treatment groups. Mean operative time for open appendectomy was significantly shorter than for converted or laparoscopic appendectomy regardless of diagnosis (P<0.01). Ten patients (1.4%) developed an intra-abdominal abscess: six after open appendectomy (1.7%), one after converted appendectomy (3.7%), and three after laparoscopic appendectomy (1%). There was no significant difference in rate of abscess formation in patients with perforated appendicitis undergoing open, converted, or laparoscopic appendectomy. We conclude that laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis is not associated with an increased rate of intra-abdominal abscess formation.     

经脐单孔与常规腹腔镜阑尾切除手术的比较研究

目的:探讨单孔腹腔镜阑尾切除手术的可行性。方法:对2011年1月—2011年12月收治的122例急性阑尾炎病例,按照随机原则分单孔腹腔镜组(61例)和常规腹腔镜组(61例),对两组的手术时间、术中出血量、肠道功能恢复时间、住院时间、并发症、中转率进行比较。结果:两组在术中出血量、术后肠道功能恢复时间、住院时间及术后并发症的比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),单孔腹腔镜组因粘连(2例)和腹膜后阑尾(1例)中转常规腹腔镜手术;坏疽性(穿孔性)阑尾炎的手术时间,单孔腹腔镜组明显长于常规腹腔镜组(P=0.004);单纯性阑尾炎和化脓性阑尾炎两组的手术时间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:选择性对急性阑尾炎行单孔腹腔镜手术治疗是安全可行的;与常规腹腔镜比较,单孔腹腔镜治疗单纯性阑尾炎和化脓性阑尾炎同样具有恢复快、创伤小的优点,且比常规腹腔镜有更好的维护形体的效果。     

Laparoscopic versus Open Appendectomy in Children: A Retrospective Comparative Study of 2,332 Cases

Aim The laparoscopic treatment of paediatric appendicitis remains controversial, especially in the presence of complications. This study evaluated the outcomes of open appendectomy (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) by analysing the data from a multicentre study. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed a series of 2,332 appendectomies (1,506 LA and 826 OA) performed in children and adolescents (median age 8 years) in 9 different centres of paediatric surgery. For the patients operated using laparoscopy, an IN procedure was employed in 921 (61.2%), an OUT procedure in 571 (37.9%) and a MIXED procedure in 14 (0.9%). In the open surgery, a McBurney incision was adopted in 795 patients (96.4%). Results Median duration of surgery was 40 minutes for LA and 45 minutes for OA. Median hospital stay was 3 days (LA) and 4.3 days (OA) in case of simple appendicitis and 5.2 days (LA) and 8.3 days (OA) in case of peritonitis. Complications were recorded in 124 LA cases (8.2%) and 65 OA cases (7.9%). The conversion rate in laparoscopy was only 1.6% (25 cases). The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney test, and the main significant difference that emerged was the length of hospital stay, which was in favour of laparoscopy compared with open surgery (P < 0.0001). Conclusions We conclude that in clinical settings where laparoscopic surgical expertise and equipment are available and affordable, LA seems to be an effective and safe alternative to OA. Three out 9 centres participating in our survey perform LA in all patients with a suspicion of appendicitis. Our study shows that laparoscopy significantly reduces hospital stay in case of appendicitis and peritonitis and presents an extremely low conversion rate (1.6%) to open surgery. Laparoscopic transumbilical appendectomy (37.9%) in our series seems to be a simple option, even for less-skilled laparoscopic surgeons.     

Morbidity of laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis: an international study

Background Although laparoscopic appendectomy has some advantages over open appendectomy, some reports do show more postoperative intraabdominal abscesses. Methods A retrospective review of complicated appendicitis managed surgically by eight surgical groups from six countries was undertaken. Among 3,433 patients with appendicitis, 1,017 (29.5%) had complicated appendicitis, which included perforated or gangrenous appendicitis with or without localized or disseminated peritonitis. There were 74 preoperative abscesses (7.4%) and 5 small bowel obstructions. Results One patient died. There were 29 postoperative intraabdominal abscesses (2.8%) and 112 mostly minor complications. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary for 28 patients (2.7%). The surgical time ranged from 32 to 132 min (mean, 62 min), and the hospital stay ranged from 1 to 18 days (mean, 3.5 days). Conclusions The morbidity rates, particularly for intraabdominal abscesses, were less for laparoscopic appendectomy in complicated appendicitis than those reported in the literature for open appendectomy, whereas operating times and hospital stays were similar. Presented in part at the 12th European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) International Congress, 9–12 June 2004, in Barcelona, Spain     

Perforated appendicitis: is laparoscopic operation advisable?

AIMS: A retrospective study was used to compare laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis to open operation. METHODS: Between July 1991 and June 1999 a total of 734 patients, all over 14 years of age, underwent operation for acute appendicitis. Of these patients, 125 (17%) displayed perforated appendicitis and were treated with either a laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 80; total conversion rate 36/80, 45%) or a primary open procedure (n = 45). RESULTS: Due to selection, the 3 treatment groups (laparoscopic, laparoscopy with conversion, open operation) showed differences with respect to gender, duration of symptoms, proportion of obese patients and patients with generalized peritonitis. The median operating time was 75 min for the laparoscopic procedure, 90 min for a converted procedure and 70 min for open operation. Only 1 of 44 (2%) patients who had a laparoscopic operation, but 8 of 36 (22%) who had a converted operation, and 8 of 45 (18%) who had an open operation developed wound infection. A similar frequency of intra-abdominal abscess formation was observed in the 3 treatment groups (2/44, 5%; 3/36, 8%; 2/45, 5%). Fatal outcome occurred only in patients who underwent an open operation and presented with severe peritonitis (5/45, 11%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations in comparability of patient groups, laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a significantly lower rate of septic wound complications (p < 0.05). This was especially true for the subgroup of obese patients (BMI >26). Therefore, for patients with perityphlitic abscess or fresh purulent lower abdominal peritonitis, but not for patients with generalized peritonitis, laparoscopic appendectomy is not only justifiable but even recommended as the procedure of choice.     

Intra-abdominal abscesses following laparoscopic and open appendectomies

Recent findings in a small number of studies have suggested a trend toward increased infectious complications following laparoscopic appendectomy. The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the incidence of postappendectomy intra-abdominal abscess formation following laparoscopic and open appendectomies. Using the surgical database of the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, we reviewed the records of all appendectomies performed at the center between March 1993 and September 1995. Incidental appendectomies as well as appendectomies in pediatric patients under the age of 18 years were excluded. A total of 2497 appendectomies were identified; indications for these procedures included acute appendicitis in 1422 cases (57%), gangrenous appendicitis in 289 (12%), and perforated appendicitis in 786 (31%). The intraoperative diagnosis made by the surgeon was used for classification. A two-tailedP value of <0.05 was considered significant. There was no significant difference in the rate of abscess formation between the groups undergoing open and laparoscopic appendectomies for acute and gangrenous appendicitis. In patients with perforated appendicitis, a total of 26 postappendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses occurred following 786 appendectomies for an over-all abscess formation rate of 3.3%. Eighteen abscesses occurred following 683 open appendectomies (2.6%), six abscesses occurred following 67 laparoscopic appendectomies (9.0%), and the remaining two abscesses occurred following 36 converted cases (5.6%). For perforated appendicitis, however, there was a statistically significant increase in the rate of abscess formation following laparoscopic appendectomy compared to conventional open appendectomy (9.0% vs. 2.6%,P=0.015). There was no significant difference in the rate of abscess formation between open vs. converted cases or between laparoscopic vs. converted cases. A comparison of the length of the postoperative hospital stay showed no significant difference between open and laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis (6.1 days vs. 5.9 days). Laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis is associated with a higher rate of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess formation without the benefit of a shortened hospital stay. Given these findings, laparoscopic appendectomy is not recommended in patients with perforated appendicitis. Presented at the Thirty-Seventh Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, Calif., May 19–22, 1996.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in children with perforated appendicitis

PURPOSE: There is persistent controversy regarding the optimal surgical therapy for children with appendicitis. We have recently adopted laparoscopic appendectomy in lieu of the open technique for children with perforated appendicitis. We hypothesized that laparoscopic appendectomy would be as effective as open appendectomy in preventing postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of children admitted to our hospital over a 5-year period with the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the operative approach: laparoscopic vs. open appendectomy. Demographic data, duration of presenting symptoms, initial white blood cell (WBC) count, length of stay, and complications were abstracted. Data were compared using appropriate statistical analyses. RESULTS: There was no difference between the laparoscopic (n = 43) and open (n = 77) groups with respect to gender, duration of presenting symptoms, initial WBC, or length of stay. However, patients in the laparoscopic group had a significantly lower complication rate than those in the open group (6/43 vs. 23/77, P = 0.05). Infectious complications were no different between groups. Patients in the laparoscopic group tended to be older than patients in the open group (10.6 +/- 3.3 years vs. 8.5 +/- 4.1 years, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy for children with perforated appendicitis has the same infectious complication rate and a lower overall complication rate than open appendectomy. A prospective study with standardized postoperative care would be needed to determine whether laparoscopic appendectomy for children with perforated appendicitis is the treatment of choice, but until then it remains an attractive alternative.     

Complicated appendicitis in children: laparoscopy or Mac Burney incision?

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare open (Mc Burney incision group MB n = 92) and laparoscopic (group LAP n = 58) appendectomy for complicated appendicitis (abscess or peritonitis). MATERIAL AND METHOD: 150 children, with a mean age of 8.5 years, were operated in our department from January 1990 to April 1996. Only children with complicated appendicitis and positive bacteriology of peritoneal fluid were included in this study. All children received parenteral antibiotics for an average of 5.4 days. RESULTS: The mean operating time was significantly longer in the LAP group (63 vs 43 min p < 0.0001). The conversion rate in the LAP group was 12%. The mean hospital stay was 8.4 days (3-29) without any difference between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference for the complication rate in the 2 groups, except for wound infections which were more frequent in the MB group (p = 0.008). Late postoperative complications occurred in 3 cases in the MB group (none in the LAP group) (NS). There were 2 small bowel obstructions and a wound dehiscence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure for complicated appendicitis in children, but the greatest short-term benefit is cosmetic. Long-term results have to be evaluated, particularly with regards to the long-term complication rate.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy is feasible for the complicated appendicitis

We reviewed the results of 339 consecutive appendectomies, including perforated appendicitis, to assess the advantages of the laparoscopic approach for acute appendicitis. Three hundred and eighty-eight patients underwent appendectomy at the Keimyung University Kyungju Dongsan Hospital between March 1994 and June 1996; 339 patients were treated using laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), and 49 patients who were treated with open appendectomy. Special emphasis was given to the results of LA in 27 patients with perforated appendicitis. The mean duration of the operating time for LA was 48.9 minutes. For six patients (1.8%), the procedure was converted to open surgery. Minor complications developed in eight patients (2.4%). There were no complications in the 27 patients with perforated appendicitis. Our experience with LA in perforated appendicitis is limited, but our results show that LA is a safe and acceptable procedure for all forms of acute appendicitis.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for ruptured appendicitis

We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic appendectomy in cases of ruptured appendicitis. Between August 1993 and April 1998, a total of 328 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in Min-Shen General Hospital. There were 34 cases of pathology-proven ruptured appendicitis. Patients were divided into three groups according to the operative findings: group 1 (10 cases) consisted of patients with a perforated appendix with local peritonitis, group 2 (15 cases) consisted of patients with perforated appendix with diffused peritonitis, and group 3 (9 cases) consisted of patients with abscess formation around the perforated appendix. Three cases in group 3 were converted to laparotomy and were excluded from this study. Mean age (+/- SD) was 30 +/- 15 years in group 1, 39 +/- 23 years in group 2, and 37 +/- 13 years in group 3. Duration of symptoms was longer in group 3 (4.2 +/-1.2 days) than in group 1 (1.8 +/- 1.3 days) and group 2 (2.3 +/- 1.2 days). There was no difference in operation time among groups 1 (52 +/- 10 min), 2 (64 +/- 13 min), and 3 (67 +/- 16 min). The time of flatus passage after operation was similar in the three groups (group 1, 17 +/- 11 hours; group 2, 21 +/- 12 hours; group 3, 24 +/- 8 hours). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (3.0 +/- 1.1 days) than in group 2 (5.1 +/- 2.2 days) and group 3 (4.2 +/- 1.2 days). There were no complications and no readmissions. Our results indicate that the laparoscopic approach is feasible for ruptured appendicitis with local or diffuse peritonitis and in selected cases with abscess formation. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to determine which procedure is to be recommended.