Diagnostic laparoscopy through the right lower abdominal incision following open appendectomy

Background: Diagnostic laparoscopy through the right lower abdominal incision following open appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis may help in making the correct diagnosis in the absence of pathology of the appendix. Methods: Fourteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis underwent diagnostic laparoscopy through the right lower quadrant incision after open appendectomy to exclude further pathology in the case of a noninflamed appendix. Results: In 10 of the 14 patients, laparoscopy helped to correct the diagnosis. In two patients, the etiology of the acute right lower abdominal pain remained unclear. In two others, histological examination showed acute appendicitis despite a normal macroscopic appearance. Conclusions: Diagnostic laparoscopy through the right lower quadrant incision may help to correct the diagnosis in patients who are operated on for clinically acute appendicitis but in whom no acute appendicitis or other pathological findings are seen. Received: 10 September 1997/Accepted: 15 April 1998