[Laparoscopic appendectomy in advanced stages of appendicitis]

The laparoscopic stapling appendectomy (LA) is a safe and efficient procedure for all forms of appendicitis. Overall, LA was performed in 51.8% of 280 patients with advanced appendicitis, in 1998 in more than 85%, due to increasing experience. In these cases, the appendix was dissected in double-staple technique and extracted in an endo-bag. The postoperative outcome was uncomplicated even in advanced appendicitis, a reoperation had to be done in 2 patients (1.4%). Wound infections occurred only in 3.5% of patients with LA compared to 8.2% with open appendectomy, the mortality was 0%.