[Laparoscopic appendectomy with mini-instruments]

In the period 01/00-12/01 in 35 out of 199 patients the laparoscopic appendectomy was performed with mini-instruments. This paper gives the prospectively registered data as well as our standardized technique of laparoscopic appendectomy with mini-instruments. The operations were performed via a 12 mm umbilical trocar and two suprapubic mini-trocars. Preparation was done with mini-instruments guided by 10 mm/30 degrees optic. Stapling of appendix and ligature of mensenteriolum via the 12 mm umbilical trocar was guided by 30 degrees -mini-optics. There was only one change of a mini-trocar to a 10 mm trocar for better view. 33 patients were female, mean age 23.4 years, mean BMI 21.1, mean operation time 41.1 minutes, mean post-op stay 3.3 days. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The laparoscopic appendectomy with mini-instruments can be done by experienced surgeons in slender patients with low inflammation grade of the appendix without an increased complication rate and with a very good cosmetic result.