Diagnostic laparoscopy in 1043 patients with suspected acute appendicitis

87Citations
Citations of this article
49Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis, the number of complications associated with the laparoscopic technique, and the effect of leaving a macroscopically normal-looking appendix in place. Design: Three prospective protocols. Setting: Three departments of surgery, one in Norway and two in Sweden. Subjects: 1043 patients aged 15 years or over. Interventions: Diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis who were to be operated on. Main outcome measures: Morbidity, mortality, and histological appearance of removed appendices, and outcome whether or not the patient was operated on. Results: 819 patients had appendicectomies (61% laparoscopically and 39% by convertion to open operation) with a total complication rate of 10%. In 211 patients a diagnostic laparoscopy was done as a single procedure. There were 181 women in this group and 86 of them had gynaecological disorders. The complication rate was 2% among these 211 patients and after a follow up of two years no patients had been readmitted for appendicectomy. 13 patients were subjected to other open procedures. The overall mortality was 0.4%. Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy is safe and can be recommended in patients with suspected acute appendicitis, particularly in women. A macroscopically normal-looking appendix can be left in place.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Moberg, A. C., Ahlberg, G., Leijonmarck, C. E., Montgomery, A., Reiertsen, O., Rosseland, A. R., & Stoerksson, R. (1998). Diagnostic laparoscopy in 1043 patients with suspected acute appendicitis. European Journal of Surgery, 164(11), 833–840. https://doi.org/10.1080/110241598750005246

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free