Introducing diagnostic laparoscopy for patients with suspected acute appendicitis

Background: The diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis varies from 60% to 90% depending on age and gender. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of diagnostic laparoscopy for diagnostic purposes in patients with suspected acute appendicitis to prevent unnecessary laparotomy and to leave a macroscopically normal appendix in place. Methods: For this study, 500 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis admitted between January 1994 and October 1996 were included prospectively in a surgical training program set to provide diagnostic laparoscopy on a 24-h-a-day basis. Primary open operation was performed when no laparoscopically trained surgeon was available. Short-term outcome measurements were recorded, and a retrospective long-term follow-up evaluation was performed. Results: We succeeded in performing a diagnostic laparoscopy in 376 patients and a primary open operation in 124 patients. The overall appendicitis rate was 78%. A diagnostic laparoscopy alone was performed in 66 patients (56 of which were fertile women), with a median operating time of 36 min and a complication rate of 0%. The overall complication rate was 8.0%. During a median follow-up period of 19 months one patient returned on a later occasion with appendicitis. At completion of the study, 85% of the surgeons were skilled in diagnostic laparoscopy. Conclusions: Substantial education effort is needed to introduce diagnostic laparoscopy on a 24-h-a-day basis. Diagnostic laparoscopy has a high rate of accuracy, short operating time, and low associated morbidity, and prevents unnecessary laparotomy. It is possible to leave a macroscopically normal-appearing appendix in place. Received: 12 March 200/Accepted: 23 May 2000/Online publication: 9 August 2000     

Laparoscopic evaluation of patients with suspected acute appendicitis

Background: High error rates are reported in the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. This study was undertaken to discover what additional value laparoscopy has in the diagnosis of suspected acute appendicitis. Methods: From April 1995 to November 1996, a diagnostic laparoscopy, before open appendicectomy, was performed in 100 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis. Appendicectomy was performed only if the appendix showed signs of inflammation at laparoscopy or if the appendix could not be visualized. Results: Twenty-four patients were spared an appendicectomy, and in half of them a new diagnosis was established during laparoscopy. The rate of misdiagnosis was 41% in female patients of reproductive age and 8% in male patients. There were no cases of missed appendicitis in this trial, and all removed appendices showed signs of inflammation at histology. Conclusions: It is safe to rely on the diagnosis made at laparoscopy. Its use for establishing diagnosis before appendicectomy in women of reproductive age is recommended. Received: 13 June 1997/Accepted: 24 October 1997     

The use of diagnostic laparoscopy supported by laparoscopic ultrasonography in the assessment of pancreatic cancer

Background: Pancreatic resection with curative intent is possible in a select minority of patients with carcinomas of the pancreatic head. Diagnostic laparoscopy supported by laparoscopic ultrasonography combines the proven benefits of staging laparoscopy with high-resolution intraoperative ultrasound, thus allowing the surgeon to perform a detailed assessment of the pancreatic cancer. Methods: In a prospective study of 26 patients with obstructive jaundice from a carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, the curative resectability of tumors was assessed by ultrasound (26 cases), computerized tomography (26 cases), endoscopic ultrasound (16 cases), and a combination of diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound (26 cases). Results: The findings of ultrasound and computerized tomography were comparable: 50% of patients were excluded from curative resection. Endoscopic ultrasound provided precise information on the primary tumors. The accuracy of the combined diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound, when compared with ultrasound, computerized tomography, and endoscopic ultrasound, was better with respect to minute peritoneal or hepatic metastasis: 80.7% (or a further 30.7%) of patients did not qualify for curative resection. Conclusions: Diagnostic laparoscopy supported by laparoscopic ultrasonography enables detection of previously unsuspected metastases; thus, needless laparotomy can be avoided. It should therefore be considered the first step in any potentially curative surgical procedure. Received: 12 April 1997/Accepted 30 April 1998     

Cost analysis of diagnostic laparoscopy vs laparotomy in the evaluation of penetrating abdominal trauma

Background: Diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation of injuries in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma has been shown to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with mandatory laparotomy. The overall impact on patient care and hospital costs has not been thoroughly investigated. The goal of this study was to determine the economic impact of laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool in the management of patients following penetrating trauma to the abdomen or flank. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating trauma to the abdomen or flank, but without other injuries requiring emergent intervention, admitted to a level I trauma center between January 1, 1992, and September 30, 1994. Those patients who underwent either laparoscopy (DL) or laparotomy (NL) or both (CONV) and who had no intraabdominal organ injuries requiring surgical therapeutic intervention were included in the study. Age, operative time, operative findings, length of hospitalization, Injury Severity Score (ISS), variable costs, and total costs were recorded for each patient. Results: Fourteen patients underwent negative/nontherapeutic laparoscopy (DL), 19 patients underwent negative/nontherapeutic laparotomy (NL), and four patients underwent both laparoscopy and laparotomy, a conversion procedure (CONV). There was no significant difference in age, operative times, or ISS between the DL and NL groups. Mean ISS of CONV patients was significantly greater than that of DL patients, 5.75 ± 1.97 vs 2.43 ± 0.63 (p < 0.05). Mean operative time for CONV patients was also significantly greater than both DL and NL patients, 106.5 ± 17.00 min vs 66.1 ± 6.55 and 47.3 ± 7.50 min, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the DL group as compared to the NL or CONV groups, 1.43 ± 0.20 vs 4.26 ± 0.31 and 5.0 ± 0.82 (p < 0.0001). The variable costs for the DL group were significantly lower than those incurred by patients in the NL and CONV groups, $2,917 ± 175 vs $3,384 ± 102 and $3,774 ± 286, (p < 0.05). Variable costs were not significantly different between the NL and CONV groups. Total costs were also significantly lower in the DL group when compared to NL and CONV, $5,427 ± 394 vs $7,026 ± 251 and $7,855 ± 750 (p < 0.005), but again, they were not statistically different between the NL and CONV groups. The overall total costs for laparoscopy, including the costs incurred by conversion patients, was significantly less than the total costs for laparotomy patients, $5,664 ± 394 vs $7,028.47 ± 250 (p < 0.005). This resulted in an overall savings of $1,059.44 per laparoscopy performed. The overall negative/nontherapeutic laparotomy rate during this study was 19.1%, which was significantly lower than the negative or nontherapeutic exploration rate during the time period prior to the use of laparoscopy (p < 0.01, z = 2.550). Conclusion: Variable and total costs and length of stay were significantly lower in our population of patients who underwent DL as compared to NL. The rate of negative or nontherapeutic laparotomy was also significantly reduced when compared to the rate identified during the era prior to the use of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy resulted in an overall savings of $1,059 per laparoscopy performed when compared to laparotomy. Received: 11 March 1996/Accepted: 5 July 1996     

Pneumothorax after diagnostic laparoscopy

A case of laparoscopic-induced asymptomatic pneumothorax (PTX) is presented. Six hours postoperation, a chest x-ray revealed no evidence of PTX. The patient subsequently had a routine postoperation course. As the number of laparoscopic cases performed each year continues to rise, the surgeon must remain cognizant of all possible major and minor complications to keep laparoscopic surgery safe and effective. Received: 15 September 1998/Accepted: 25 November 1998     

Pain after laparoscopy

Background: In the context of the much-heralded advantages of laparoscopic surgery, it can be easy to overlook postlaparoscopy pain as a serious problem, yet as many as 80% of patients will require opioid analgesia. It generally is accepted that pain after laparoscopy is multifactorial, and the surgeon is in a unique position to influence many of the putative causes by relatively minor changes in technique. Methods: This article reviews the relevant literature concerning the topic of pain after laparoscopy. Results: The following factors, in varying degrees, have been implicated in postlaparoscopy pain: distension-induced neuropraxia of the phrenic nerves, acid intraperitoneal milieu during the operation, residual intra-abdominal gas after laparoscopy, humidity of the insufflated gas, volume of the insufflated gas, wound size, presence of drains, anesthetic drugs and their postoperation effects, and sociocultural and individual factors. Conclusions: On the basis of the factors implicated in postlaparoscopy pain, the following recommendations can be made in an attempt to reduce such pain: emphathically consider each patients' unique sociocultural and individual pain experience; inject port sites with local anesthesia at the start of the operation; keep intra-abdominal pressure during pneumoperitoneum below 15 mmHg, avoiding pressure peaks and prolonged insufflation; use humidified gas at body temperature if available; use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the time of induction; attempt to evacuate all intraperitoneal gas at the end of the operation; and use drains only when required, rather than as a routine. Received: 26 May 1998/Accepted: 30 June 1998     

腹腔镜治疗阑尾炎497例

目的:总结腹腔镜阑尾切除术在治疗阑尾炎中的效果。方法:回顾分析经腹腔镜行阑尾切除术497例的临床资料,并与同期剖腹治疗阑尾炎进行比较。结果:497例中63例无法满意处理残端或盲肠壁内阑尾、腹膜外位阑尾而中转开腹。11例腹腔脓肿,9例皮下气肿,6例术后肩背部疼痛,余者无粪瘘、肠粘连、切口感染、阑尾残株炎等术后并发症。结论:经腹腔镜治疗阑尾炎为首选治疗方式。经腹腔镜切除阑尾可取代传统的开腹阑尾切除术。     

“Surgical”' ultrasound in suspected acute appendicitis

Background: Ultrasonography (US) by acknowledged experts enhances the diagnostic performance and reduces the rate of negative laparotomies in patients with suspected acute appendicitis (AA). Methods: The diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of routine US performed by surgical residents was prospectively studied in 504 unselected patients admitted for AA. Clinical and US findings were correlated with laparotomy findings and pathological outcome in 135 patients (113 cases with proven AA, prevalence 22.4%) and clinical as well as follow-up data were compared in the remainder. Results: The overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the clinical diagnosis of AA were 84.9%, 51.3%, and 94.6% and those of US were 93.6%, 83.1%, and 96.6%. Joint evaluation of the results from clinical evaluation and US further improved diagnostic performance (accuracy 93.4%, sensitivity 84.1%, specificity 96.2) and significantly reduced the rate of diagnostic errors to 3.4% (p < 0.001) and unnecessary laparotomies to 9.6% (p < 0.01) in patients with suspected AA. Conclusions: Ultrasonographic evaluation of the patient with suspected AA is considered to be of value in surgical practice. Received: 16 July 1996/Accepted: 19 August 1996     

Perforating appendicitis

Background: This pilot study was performed to reassess the widespread postulate that laparoscopic surgery is contraindicated in cases of perforating appendicitis. Methods: A total of 75 children (appendiceal perforation: n= 67; perityphlic abscesses and peritonitis: n= 8) were analyzed in a prospective nonrandomized trial. Ten of them were treated by laparoscopic appendectomy. Results: In the laparoscopy group, both pain and hospitalization were less time-consuming (i.e., by 50% and 19%, respectively). Antibiotics use was down from 2.6 over 6 days to 2.2. over 5.5 days, while the duration of surgery was up by 52%. Wound healing disturbances occurred in 10% (n= 1) and postoperative fever in 50% (n= 5) of patients, compared to 14% (n= 9) and 15% (n= 10) in the group treated by open surgery. All severe complications requiring reintervention (10%; massive subcutaneous abscess, n= 3; retrocolic abscess, n= 2; adhesion-related ileus, n= 3; appendicular stump, n= 1) were associated with open surgery. Conclusions: There was not a single major complication in the laparoscopy group. These unexpected results are in contrast to previous reports and have prompted us to initiate a prospective randomized trial. Received: 27 August 1998/Accepted: 20 January 1999     

Miniature laparoscopy

Background: Endoscopy created a new epoch in gynecology and general surgery. After a decade of learning experiences and expansion of laparoscopic surgery in a variety of areas, the need to further miniaturize the endosurgical approach surfaced. This, however, requires a better knowledge about the tools that surgeons must or wish to employ in minimal access surgery. For miniaturization, the quality of the image on the TV monitor is critical. Methods: We examined two miniature optical systems: the quartz-fiber (2.0–2.2 mm) and the rod-lens (3.3-mm) relay technologies. Results: The smaller quartz telescope image was found to be brighter but lacking in other important features that are important in diagnosis and surgical manipulations. Conclusions: Because the detail, clarity, and the color display affect decision making and the course taken, the brand of telescope has to be selected according to the particular application. By following this guideline, a number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed using smaller instruments with the patient under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Received: 15 April 1998/Accepted: 10 November 1998     

腹腔镜手术治疗化脓性、坏疽性阑尾炎96例报告

目的:总结腹腔镜手术治疗化脓性、坏疽性阑尾炎的临床经验。方法:回顾分析为96例化脓性、坏疽性阑尾炎患者行腹腔镜手术的临床资料。结果:96例手术均获成功,无一例中转开腹。手术时间平均36 min,术后12 h可下床活动,肛门第一次排气时间平均17 h,平均住院4 d。术后无一例发生切口感染及腹腔脓肿。结论:腹腔镜手术治疗化脓性、坏疽性阑尾炎具有患者创伤小、术后康复快、并发症少、住院时间短等优势,是安全可行的。     

Classifying patients suspected of appendicitis with regard to likelihood

BACKGROUND: We sought to develop a clinical predictive model for acute appendicitis and contrast it with current clinical practice. METHODS: A prospective observational study of patients presenting with signs or symptoms consistent with acute appendicitis. Random-partition modeling was used to develop an appendicitis likelihood model (ALM). RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-nine patients were enrolled, 101 with appendicitis, and 338 with other diagnoses. The ALM classified patients as "low likelihood" if they had a white blood cell count <9,500 and either no right lower-quadrant tenderness or a neutrophil count <54%. Patients were classified as "high likelihood" if they had a white blood cell count >13,000 with rebound tenderness or both voluntary guarding and neutrophil count >82%. The ALM outperformed actual clinical practice with regard to "missed" appendicitis, negative laparotomies, and total number of imaging studies. CONCLUSION: The ALM may permit more judicious use of advanced radiographic imaging with lower nontherapeutic laparotomy rates.     

The role of laparoscopy in preoperative staging of esophageal cancer

Background: Diagnostic laparoscopy has been used to determine resectability and to prevent unnecessary laparotomy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) scan in staging patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: From March 1995 to October 1998, 59 patients with biopsy-proven esophageal cancer underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with concurrent vascular access device and feeding jejunostomy tube placement. Results: Laparoscopy changed the treatment plan in 10 of 59 patients (17%). Of the patients with normal-appearing regional or celiac nodes, 78% were confirmed by biopsy to be tumor free, whereas 76% of patients with abnormal-appearing nodes were confirmed by biopsy to have node-positive disease. Conclusions: Diagnostic laparoscopy is useful for detecting and confirming nodal involvement and distant metastatic disease that potentially would alter treatment and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Received: 16 May 1999/Accepted: 10 November 1999/Online publication: 24 March 2000     

Increased tumor growth and spread after laparoscopy vs laparotomy

Background: The use of laparoscopy for assessment and treatment of malignant tumors remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of tumor manipulation during laparoscopy compared with that of conventional laparotomy on growth and spread of an intraperitoneal tumor in the rat in a randomized, controlled trial. Methods: Thirty 2-month-old male Lewis rats received a single-site intrapancreatic inoculation of a ductal adenocarcinoma. Fourteen days after cancer implanting, two groups of six animals each underwent a laparotomy (30 min 6 mmHg CO₂ pneumoperitoneum). The tumor was manipulated in the one group, and exclusively visualized in the other. In two other groups, a midline laparotomy with (n = 6) or without (n = 6) tumor manipulation was performed. Animals in the control group (n = 6) underwent no procedure. Tumor volume, tumor mass, local regional invasion incidence, lymph node involvement, and liver and lung metastases were evaluated on 28-day tumors. Results: No difference in tumor growth and spread was observed between laparoscopy and laparotomy when tumor manipulation was not carried out. Tumor manipulation increased tumor growth significantly in the laparotomy group, but not in the laparoscopy one. Tumor metastases were correlated to tumor growth and increased significantly after manipulation in both groups. There was no port-site or conventional wound seeding in either the surgical procedure. Conclusions: This study showed that manipulation is the main factor acting on tumor dissemination in both laparoscopy and laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery had a beneficial effect on local tumor growth compared with laparotomy in the case of tumor manipulation. This beneficial effect of laparoscopic surgery may be related to a better preservation of immune function in the early postoperative period. Received: 16 August 1996/Accepted: 27 January 1997     

Does laparoscopy increase bacteremia and endotoxemia in a peritonitis model?

Background: Laparoscopy is increasingly used in patients with intraabdominal bacterial infection although pneumoperitoneum may increase bacteremia by elevated intraabdominal pressure. Methods: The influence of laparotomy and laparoscopy on bacteremia, endotoxemia, and postoperative abscess formation was investigated in a rat model. Rats received intraperitoneally a standardized fecal inoculum and underwent laparotomy (n= 20), or laparoscopy (n= 20), or no further manipulation in the control group (n= 20). Results: Bacteremia and endotoxemia were higher after laparotomy and laparoscopy compared to the control group (p= 0.01) 1 h after intervention. One hour after intervention, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species were detected in the laparotomy group while only anaerobic bacteria were found in the other two groups. Although bacteremia and endotoxemia did not differ among the three groups after 1 week, the mean number of intraperitoneal abscesses was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after laparotomy (n= 10) compared with laparoscopy (n= 6) and control group (n= 5). Conclusion: Laparoscopy does not increase bacteremia and intraperitoneal abscess formation compared to laparotomy in an animal model of peritonitis. Received: 28 May 1996/Accepted: 25 July 1996     

The role of laparoscopy in symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum

We report two cases of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in adults with recurrent abdominal pain and episodes of minor lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In case 1, the diagnosis was suggested by ^99mTc pertechnetate scan and confirmed by laparoscopy; whereas in case 2, only diagnostic laparoscopy was performed because of suspected appendicitis. A segmental small bowel resection with attached diverticulum was performed extracorporeally after exteriorization through the umbilical port site in both cases. Received: 15 May 1998/Accepted: 7 April 1999     

Laparoscopic procedure for suspected appendicitis

Between September 1990 and December 1993, 283 consecutive patients were admitted with clinical symptoms of acute appendicitis. These patients underwent primary laparoscopic approach so that an appendicectomy could be performed by this method. In 49 cases (17.3%), primary laparoscopic examination corrected the preoperative diagnosis and the appendix was left in situ. Appendicectomy was performed in 234 cases (149 women, 85 men) with a mean age of 30 years. Requirement for open surgery occurred in 29 cases. The main cause of unsuccessful procedures was inflammation due to local or generalized peritonitis. Median operative time for a successful procedure was 60 min (range, 25–160). Four postoperative complications (one related to laparoscopic procedure), one case of wound infection, and no mortality resulted. After laparoscopic appendicectomy, the median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1–16). These results suggest that a laparoscopic approach for suspected appendicitis is reliable, allowing abdominal exploration and safe appendicectomy.     

Influence of different trocar tips on abdominal wall penetration during laparoscopy

Most trocars currently used to place a cannula through the abdominal wall have a conical or pyramidal tip. Because the risk of inadvertent injury along with removal of the cannula is probably related to (a) the force needed to traverse the abdominal wall, (b) the force needed to remove the trocar, and (c) the defect in the abdominal wall, the optimum configuration of the penetrating tip should be determined. The entry force needed to perforate the abdominal wall, the removal force necessary to remove the trocar, and the defect in the abdominal wall were measured in a porcine model under standardized conditions (general anesthesia, 12 mmHg pneumoperitoneum). Nineteen trocars (six disposable, seven reusable, six custom-made) have been tested. They were divided into six groups according to the shape of the tip (conical, pyramidal, or a combination). The entry force (F= 25.6, p < 0.0001) and the removal force (F= 5.1, p < 0.01) were related to the shape of the tip. Conical tips needed a higher force than purely pyramidal tips. The abdominal defect was also different between groups (F= 6.5, p < 0.001). The trocar with a pyramidal shape caused a greater defect than conical tips. The defect in the abdominal wall was inversely related to the entry force (r=−0.55, p < 0.001) and to the removal force (r=−0.57, p < 0.001). There is not an optimum configuration of a simple push-through trocar with a low entry force and a high removal force. Some kind of a conical tip is recommended for insertion of trocars under direct view. Received: 30 June 1998/Accepted: 11 March 1998     

腔镜阑尾切除术与开腹阑尾切除术的临床对比研究

目的 比较腹腔镜阑尾切除术与开腹阑尾切除术的临床治疗效果。方法 采用我院2008年1月至2011年6月间腹腔镜阑尾切除术的患者62例与传统开腹阑尾切除术102例做对比,比较两者在手术时间、术后胃肠功能恢复时间、住院时间和术后并发症等方面的发生率有无显著性差异。结果 两者在术后胃肠功能恢复时间、住院时间和术后并发症发生率上有显著性差异。结论 腹腔镜阑尾切除术相对于开腹阑尾切除术,术后胃肠功能恢复时间快,住院时间短,术后并发症少。     

Diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with an acute abdomen of uncertain etiology

Background: There are acute abdominal conditions in which it is difficult to establish an indicative diagnosis before laparotomy. A diagnosis is important in planning the right abdominal incision or to avoid an unnecessary laparotomy. Diagnostic noninvasive procedures such as X-ray studies do not always appear conclusive. Diagnostic laparoscopy is the only technique which can visualize the abdomen and, by establishing an adequate diagnosis, permits the surgeon to plan the right abdominal approach. Methods: In a prospective study, 65 patients with a generalized acute abdomen (no intestinal obstruction or perforation) underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy under general anesthesia previous to the planned median laparotomy. Results: In 46 patients (70%) diagnostic laparoscopy permitted the establishment of an adequate diagnosis, whereas in seven patients (10%) no cause for the acute abdomen could be found and an explorative laparotomy was avoided. In another 12 patients (20%) insufficient information was obtained during laparoscopy and an explorative laparotomy was performed. Conclusions: A conclusive diagnosis was established in 53 patients. This information led to a change in the surgical approach in 38 patients (e.g., limited, well-placed approach, laparoscopically, or avoidance of an unnecessary laparotomy). Diagnostic laparoscopy in this category of patients is a useful technique with important therapeutic consequences. Received: 5 May 1997/Accepted: 18 September 1997