laparoscopic appendicectomy
Last reviewed 01/2018
Laparoscopic appendicectomy was first successfully carried out on a normal appendix in 1982 and it is now widely-practised for acute appendicitis. Indications for a laparoscopic approach include chronic atypical abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
The advantages of laparoscopic appendicectomy are:
- an survey of other abdominal viscera is easy if the appendix does not prove to be inflamed
- the risk of post-operative adhesions are reduced
- less postoperative pain
- the patient is able to be discharged after 2 rather than 3 days
- good cosmetic result because of small incisions
Disadvantages include a longer operating time - about 1 hour - and greater expense: open appendicectomy is already quick and easy to perform.