Laparoscopic appendicectomy: The jury is back

Abstract

The benefit from removing an appendix laparoscopically has been largely ignored because of the seemingly low morbidity from the open method. The present problems of misdiagnosis, wound infection and postoperative colic adhesions from open appendicectomy have been 'accepted' as unavoidable morbidity. This paper describes techniques of laparoscopic appendicectomy and reviews results of eight randomized controlled and 13 prospective non-randomized controlled trials. The verdict is that laparoscopic appendicectomy reduces postoperative morbidity.