Diagnostic problems in acute appendicitis and indications for laparoscopic appendectomy
Hallfeldt, K.; Puhlmann, M.; Waldner, H.; Schweiberer, L.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 113: 553-555
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 9101928 Document Number: 456521
A retrospective study analyzing the outcome of 400 appendectomies for acute appendicitis in two different hospitals revealed a negative appendectomy rate of over 25%. As a consequence we altered the operative strategy by employing diagnostic laparoscopy in combination with laparoscopic appendectomy in all uncertain cases while still carrying out a conventional appendectomy when there was diagnostic certainty. Preliminary results show that laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure and that the new concept reduces the negative appendectomy rate.