TWO-PORTS LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY WITH WALL-LIFT METHOD

Abstract

In a period from December 1996 to June 1997 two-ports laparoscopic appendectomy with an abdominal wall-lift method was attempted in 50 patients and successfully completed in 47 patients. The remaining three patients were converted from laparoscopic to open operation. The cause of unsuccessful procedures was inflammation due to local peritonitis. Those 47 patients undergoing the laparoscopic appendectomy were compared with another 47 patients undergoing open appendectomy in the same period.
The mean operation time in laparoscopic procedures was not significantly longer than that in open surgeries (47.4×23.4 minutes versus 44.8×16.8 minutes). The hospital stay was significantly shorter (4.0×1.1 days versus 8.0×3.9 days). There were three cases of wound infection after open operation, but none after the laparoscopic operation. Laparoscopic appendectomy in able to differentiate the disease from gynecological lesions easily and exactly.
This procedure has many advantages such as shorter hospital stay, early return to normal activities and minimal wound complications including infection. It also offers a cosmetic advantage. Moreover, this procedure is able to make up the disadvantages of laparoscopic appendectomy with pneumoperitoneum.
Our experience has suggested that this procedure, that has not been reported so far, can be performed routinely in most patients with appendicitis.