Laparoscopic appendectomy: three years' experience.

Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed on 109 patients over a 3-year-period--1988 to 1991. All procedures were uneventful and all patients resumed normal activity within a shorter period than had been experienced with open appendectomy. Patients had a superior cosmetic result and experienced significantly less postoperative discomfort.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy. Our experience

The advantages and applications of the videolaparoscopic technique (VL) versus open surgery in the treatment of acute and complicated appendicitis are not well defined. Our study examined 150 patients, 67 males and 83 females. They underwent surgery for acute appendicitis in emergency. The choice between open or laparoscopic tecnique was due to patient's clinical conditions and surgeon's experience. Two of these patients had no infiammatory process. Eleven patients were affected by gynaecological diseases. The last 137 patients underwent surgery for acute appendicitis and the diagnosis was confirmed. Among them, 35 (25%) were affected by a complicated appendicitis with diffuse or clearly defined peritonitis. In 134 patients the surgery was completed laparoscopically. The conversion rate was 2%. Morbility rate was 3%, due to intra abdominal abscesses secondary to acute complicated appendicitis. The mean operative time was 76 min and the mean hospital stay was 4.8 days. The death rate was 0%. In our experience, laparoscopic appendectomy has significant advantages over traditional open surgery in both acute and complicated appendicitis, especially in young women. In this way, we can diagnose pelvic disease that could be characterized by the same symptoms of acute appendicitis, then we suggest laparoscopic appendectomy even just to complete the diagnostic iter. Laparoscopy is useful in terms of convalescence, postoperative pain, hospital stay, aesthetic outcome and an easier exploration of the peritoneal cavity.     

Laparoscopic one port appendectomy: Evaluation in pediatric surgery

Background

Appendectomy is a well-established surgical procedure in pediatric surgery used in the management of acute appendicitis. With the continuous advancement in the field of minimal invasive surgery, the recent focus is on single incision laparoscopic (SIL) surgery. SILA also goes further in order to decrease pain, improve recovery and enhance patient satisfaction. However, this approach is still not a well-established technique and not widely practiced, especially in pediatric surgery.

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 is superior to open appendectomy in obese patients

BACKGROUND: There are minimal data comparing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in obese patients. METHODS: We reviewed consecutive adult patients from 2003 to 2005 who underwent an appendectomy at a University-affiliated teaching hospital. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. Outcome measures included length of stay, surgical times, intra-abdominal abscesses, wound infections, and hospital charges. RESULTS: There were 116 patients with a mean body mass index of 35. Eighty-five patients underwent LA, 12 were converted to open, 4 of 12 (31%) were perforated. Thirty-one patients underwent OA. Overall, 21 (18%) were perforated. Length of stay for LA was better, 3.4 days versus 5.5 days for OA (P = .02), and wound closure rate was better, 90% for LA versus 68% for OA (P < .01). Other outcome measures were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: LA is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer open wounds, and equivalent hospital charges and intra-abdominal abscess rates; and should be considered the procedure of choice for obese patients with appendicitis.     

肥胖患者行腹腔镜与开腹阑尾切除术疗效的对比研究

目的 对比分析肥胖患者行腹腔镜与开腹阑尾切除术的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析2008-2010年因急性阑尾炎在中国医科大学附属盛京医院行阑尾切除术的肥胖患者153例的临床资料.153例中,腹腔镜阑尾切除术92例(其中4例转为开腹),开腹阑尾切除术61例,对两种术式的手术时间、术中出血量、术后排气时间、术后止痛药使用频率、术后主要并发症的发生率、住院时间和住院费用进行比较.计数资料比较采用x2检验,计量资料采用t检验.结果 腹腔镜阑尾切除术组在手术时间、术中出血量、术后排气时间、术后止痛药使用频率、术后主要并发症的发生率、住院时间方面均短于或少于开腹阑尾切除术组,差异有统计学意义(手术时间:t=14.0,P＜0.01;术中出血量:t =19.7,P＜0.01;术后排气时间:t=12.3,P＜0.01;术后止痛药使用频率:t=21.01,P＜0.01;术后主要并发症的发生率:x2=40.138,P＜0.01;住院时间:t=17.3,P＜0.01).两者在住院总花费上的差异无统计学意义(=1.434,P =0.154).结论 肥胖患者行腹腔镜阑尾切除术治疗阑尾炎与开腹阑尾切除术相比具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少和平均住院时间短等优点,是治疗肥胖阑尾炎患者理想的手术方式.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy provides better outcomes than open appendectomy in elderly patients

The incidence of acute appendicitis in elderly patients is increasing due to prolonged life span. The associated morbidity and mortality related to perforation of acute appendicitis continue to present challenges to physicians. The role of laparoscopic appendectomy is still controversial. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of elderly patients who received either a laparoscopic or an open appendectomy. We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with acute appendicitis between January 2005 and February 2009. Elderly patients who received laparoscopic or open appendectomies were enrolled. The demographics, preoperative condition, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative course were analyzed. A total of 150 patients were enrolled in this study. On average, patients who received a laparoscopic appendectomy had fewer hospital days and lower rates of postoperative ventilator dependence than patients who received an open appendectomy. In the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy provides better outcomes than open appendectomy.     

Laparoscopic vs open appendectomy in overweight patients

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been associated with a faster recovery and less postoperative pain than the open technique. However, few data are available on the clinical outcome of LA in overweight patients. METHODS: A group of 106 patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 26.4, representing the upper quintile of 500 prospectively randomized patients, were included in the study. They were randomized to undergo either laparoscopic or open appendectomy (OA). Operating and anesthesia times, postoperative pain, complications, hospital stay, functional index (1 week postoperatively), sick leave, and time to full recovery were documented. RESULTS: In OA, the operating time for overweight patients was significantly longer than that for patients in the normal weight range (40 vs 35 min, p < 0.05). In LA, there was no difference in operating time between the normal and overweight patients. Overweight patients who underwent LA had longer operating and anesthesia times than their OA counterparts (55 vs 40 min, p < 0.001; and 125 vs 100 min, p < 0.001, respectively). Postoperative pain was significantly greater in overweight patients who underwent OA than in those treated with the laparoscopic technique. Postoperative pain was also significantly greater in overweight patients subjected to OA than in patients of normal weight after 4 weeks; the clinical significance may, however, be of less importance since the values are low (0.26 vs 0.09, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two operating techniques in terms of complications. Hospital stay was longer for overweight patients than for normal-weight patients undergoing OA (3.0 vs 2.0, p < 0.01). The functional index did not differ between any group of patients. Sick leave was longer for overweight patients who underwent OA than for normal-weight patients treated with the same technique (17 vs 13 days, p < 0.01). In the laparoscopic group, however, there were no differences between the overweight and normal-weight patients. Time to full recovery was greater in overweight patients subjected to OA than in the overweight patients in the LA group (22 vs 15 days, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, overweight patients who were submitted to LA had less postoperative pain and a faster postoperative recovery than overweight patients who had OA. LA also abolished some of the negative effects that overweight had on operating time, hospital stay, and sick leave with the open technique. However, anesthesia and operating times were significantly longer in LA for both overweight patients and those with a normal BMI.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy. Initial experience in a teaching program.

From February 1990 to December 1991, 16 laparoscopic procedures were performed for right lower quadrant pain. There were nine men and seven women, aged 16 to 47 years (mean, 27.2 years). All procedures were performed by surgical chief residents with prior experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, first-assisted by an attending surgeon. The appendix was visualized and a definitive diagnosis was made in all patients. One patient with acute salpingitis underwent diagnostic laparoscopy only; two patients underwent laparotomy (perforated appendicitis, perforated diverticulitis). A fourth patient had an acute torsion of an ovarian cyst managed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic appendectomy was successfully performed in 12 patients (acute appendicitis, 9; fibrosis or chronic inflammation, 2; normal appendix, 1). Mean operative time for laparoscopic appendectomy was 95.7 minutes, and mean postoperative stay was 2.5 days. The authors conclude that operative time, diagnostic accuracy, and complication rates for laparoscopic appendectomy are acceptable. Within the context of a training program, laparoscopic appendectomy provides an opportunity for surgical residents to expand laparoscopic skills.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy versus open appendectomy in children: another opinion

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a commonly performed procedure that is a safe alternative to conventional open appendectomy (OA). LA offers reduced parietal scarring, a shortened hospital stay, and an earlier return to normal activities. During a 13-month period (July 2001 to July 2002), data were collected regarding appendectomies performed in 113 children (<18 years) in our hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to type of appendectomy received (OA, N = 59 versus LA, N = 54). The operative time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Operative time was similar in the OA and LA groups (1.20 +/- 0.46 versus 1.12 +/- 0.36 hours, respectively; P = 0.328). Patients receiving OA had significantly longer hospital stays than those receiving LA (4.69 +/- 3.45 versus 3.07 +/- 1.93 days, respectively; P = 0.002). The complication rate associated with OA was higher than that observed for LA (6.8% versus 3.5%), but this difference was not significant (P = 0.681). Patients receiving LA could begin drinking water earlier after surgery than postflatus OA patients (12-24 hours versus 3.2 days). The OA group had a higher rate of ruptured appendicitis than the LA group (13/59 versus 2/54), but similar rates of normal appendix was observed in both groups (13/59 versus 13/54). Three patients in the LA group were switched to OA. Although patients who underwent LA did not experience a significant decrease in complications compared with OA patients, they did have shorter hospital stays and postoperative NPO times. Therefore, LA seems to be a safe operation in children. It is ideal for overweight, adolescent females and patients in whom appendicitis is suspected. LA is not recommended for those with an appendiceal mass.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnant patients: a review of 45 cases

Background and objectives  Laparoscopic surgery in pregnancy remains debated, especially in cases of suspected appendicitis. Cases of suspected appendicitis treated by the laparoscopic approach in a single institution over a 10-year period were reviewed (1997–2007). The objectives were to evaluate the immediate complications of the procedure and the outcome of pregnancies including foetal loss and preterm delivery. Results  Retrospective analysis of 45 consecutive cases of suspected appendicitis during pregnancy was carried out. Forty-two patients (93%) had a preoperative ultrasound, of which 13 (33%) confirmed an acute appendicitis. Out of 45 cases, 15 (33%) had the surgical procedure during the first trimester, 22 (49%) in the second and 8 (18%) in the third. Two (4%) patients had major complications (intra-abdominal abscess and uterine perforation) and two others (4%) had minor complications (cystitis and ileus). No patients underwent delivery in the month following surgery and there was no foetal loss in the follow-up. Three (8.1%) patients delivered prior to 35 weeks’ gestation and 18.1% delivered before term (<37 weeks). As previously reported, a high rate of normal appendix (33%) was found at surgery. No significant differences were found in rates of preterm delivery, adverse outcome or operative time between trimesters of pregnancy at the time of surgery. Mean operative time was 49 ± 19 min. Discussion  This large series from a single institution shows a low rate of preterm delivery and absence of foetal loss after laparoscopic appendectomy. Regardless of trimester, the low rate of complication makes it a valuable option for pregnant patients with suspicion of acute appendicitis. The rate of normal appendectomies remaining high, efforts have to be made towards new diagnostic modalities to lower the negative appendectomy rate in this specific population.     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: institutional Czech experience after almost 300 operations

European Surgery - Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is nowadays the method of choice for surgical treatment of adrenal gland pathologies. A retrospective analysis of the results of adrenalectomy...     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a safe, effective, and beneficial procedure for the treatment of acute appendicitis. However, limited data are available regarding the safety and feasibility of LA during pregnancy. METHODS: Between January 2001 and August 2004, 1235 patients with clinically suspected appendicitis underwent laparoscopic surgery at our hospital. Eleven patients (0.9%) were pregnant women (mean age, 25 years; age range, 19-37 years; range of gestational age, 4-30 weeks). Clinical data collected retrospectively included demographic information; preoperative, procedural, and postoperative information; and outcome of the pregnancy. RESULTS: All 11 pregnant women underwent laparoscopic surgery without need of conversion. Ten patients underwent LA and were found to have acute appendicitis on histologic analysis. One patient had torsion of the right fallopian tube and a healthy-looking appendix; she underwent detorsion of the fallopian tube and incidental appendectomy. Mean operative time was 50.5 minutes (range, 20-135 minutes). Length of postoperative hospital stay averaged 4.2 days (range, 1-11 days). One patient had a surgical wound infection, which was managed conservatively. Mean follow-up period was 14 months (range, 2-46 months). Seven pregnant women delivered healthy term infants, 2 had planned abortions, and 1 experienced fetal loss due to uterine infection and premature contractions 1 month after LA. Another patient had normal results at prenatal examination. CONCLUSION: Our data support the accumulating evidence that LA is a safe and feasible procedure for the treatment of acute appendicitis in all trimesters of pregnancy. Close maternal and fetal monitoring is essential during and after the operation.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnancy

Summary Since 1982 we have operated on more than 150 patients using the laparoscopic appendectomy technique. Our complication rate was 0.75% and the patients included six pregnant women in all stages of pregnancy. There were no complications in this group of six women.Based on a presentation to the XII World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rio de Janeiro 1988     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute abdomen in pregnancy. However, due to the potential fetal risk associated with the CO2-pneumoperitoneum and various operative technical reasons there is still controversy about the role of laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnant women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and November 2005, 283 women between 17 and 45 years with suspected appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at our institution. Fifteen of these patients (5.3 %) were pregnant at the time of surgery (mean age, 28 years; range, 18-40 years; mean gestational age, 21.9 weeks; range, 14-34 weeks). Perioperative obstetric monitoring included fetal ultrasound, including Doppler sonography and cardiotocography. Clinical data were collected prospectively. Complete follow-up data were available in 14 patients. RESULTS: All 15 patients underwent successful laparoscopic appendectomy. Mean operation time was 53 minutes (range, 30-100 minutes). The histologic appendicitis / appendectomy ratio was 73 %. One patient showed a postoperative pyelonephritis, another a cystitis. Average length of hospital stay was 5.5 days (range, 3-10 days). All fourteen pregnancies with complete follow-up resulted in delivery of healthy infants. The mean gestational age at delivery was 39.6 weeks (range, 35-42 weeks). Two patients (14.3 %) had a preterm delivery at 35 weeks with uncomplicated outcome. One patient underwent caesarean section at 41 weeks after chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective method to treat acute appendicitis in pregnant women regardless of the trimester. For the best outcome the operation should be performed in a center where surgeons, perinatologist, obstetricians and anesthesiologists work together as a part of an interdisciplinary team.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnancy: a case series of seven patients.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis in the pregnant patient presents with diagnostic difficulties and more serious problems. Open surgery has its own limitations, mostly governed by the stage of the disease and the trimester of pregnancy. Laparoscopic appendectomy is beginning to be recognized as standard appendicitis treatment, as evidenced by several studies. In pregnancy, laparoscopy is even more controversial. Several studies prove the safety of laparoscopy and some studies disprove it. METHODS: We have treated 7 patients in the last 10 years; 6 had acute appendicitis and 1 had a perforated appendix. Ultrasound diagnosed 5 patients, and CT scan identified the other 2 patients. The patient with the perforated appendix had free fluid in the right iliac fossa and pelvis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was done in all patients. DISCUSSION: Pregnancy poses its own unique problems to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. The normal physiology becomes altered, and sound knowledge of this is necessary to handle these patients. Clinical presentation was mostly straightforward. Both ultrasound and CT scan were useful investigations. CONCLUSION: Most studies support the use of laparoscopy in the management of appendicitis. There was no mortality (for mother and fetus) or morbidity in our patients.     

慢性阑尾炎腹腔镜与开腹手术疗效比较

目的比较腹腔镜手术与开腹手术对治疗慢性阑尾炎的I临床疗效。方法将2000年1月至2005年6月间收治的224例慢性阑尾炎患者按其个人意愿分为腹腔镜手术组（98例）与开腹手术组（126例），对比两组在手术时间、术中出血、住院时间、术中发现和处理的差异，并随访患者术后慢性腹痛的改善情况。结果开腹组手术时间（54．8±21．8）min，腹腔镜组则为（51．8±18．0）min（t=0.80，P〉0．05）；开腹组术中出血（18．6±23．3）ml，腹腔镜组则为（9．8±4．7）ml（t=3．13，P〈0．05）；开腹组住院时间（8．9±5．3）d，腹腔镜组则为（6．8±3．0）d（t=2．66，P〈0．05）。腹腔镜手术组发现有不同程度的腹腔粘连25例（25．5％），其中阑尾与周围粘连9例，回盲部与前侧腹壁粘连6例，大网膜与腹壁及肠管粘连4例，升结肠与周围及腹腔内其他粘连6例，均在术中给予松解：开腹手术组发现阑尾与周围粘连14例（11．1％），松解粘连行阑尾切除术（x^2=7．95，P〈0．05）。术后开腹手术组慢性腹痛发生率24．5％（24／98例），而腹腔镜手术组仅占10．3％（9／87例），两组比较x^2=6．29，P〈0．05；差异有统计学意义。结论腹腔镜手术对慢性阑尾炎的治疗同样具有一定优势，且能降低术后慢性腹痛的发生率。     

Laparoscopic appendectomy: a gynecological approach

The removal of surgical specimen at operative laparoscopy through an incision of the posterior fornix is frequently performed for the removal of pelvic masses of the internal genital tract. We present a technique for the removal of the appendix through a laparoscopic colpotomy. Eight patients who underwent laparoscopy for a suspected pelvic or adnexal disease and intraoperatively found to be affected by an appendicular disease were included in the present series. After intrabdominal dissection, the appendix was removed from the abdomen transvaginally through a laparoscopic colpotomy. The median range of the operation was 45 minutes (range 25-95). There were no intraoperative complications. The postoperative hospitalization period ranged from 2 to 7 days. Vaginal spotting was present in one case and lasted 24 hours. At follow-up visit, no patients complained of pelvic pain or dyspareunia. Vaginal wall induration was not found in any of the patients at pelvic examination. The removal of the appendix through a posterior colpotomy after laparoscopic appendectomy is simple, safe, feasible, well tolerated, and can be considered a valid alternative to other methods.