Laparoscopically Directed Appendicectomy

Abstract

A technique is described where appendicectomy is performed under laparoscopic guidance. The acutely inflamed organ may be removed in this manner, with postoperative stay being reduced to 3 days or less. Where there is questionable or no pathology of the appendix, postoperative stay following laparoscopically directed appendicectomy is no longer than for diagnostic laparoscopy alone, raising the controversial issue of whether the non-inflamed appendix should be removed at the time of laparoscopy.