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Laparoscopic appendicectomy

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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.

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