[Surgical infections: the role of laparoscopic surgery]

Surgical diagnostic and therapy in intraabdominal infections should be fast and definite. Infectious diseases of the abdomen are appendicitis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer perforations, colonic perforations (mostly diverticulitis), gynaecologic infections and other rare indications. The role of laparoscopy especially in the treatment of intraabdominal infections is presented for different diagnoses. Besides its therapeutic options, laparoscopy plays a crucial role as diagnostic tool in intraabdominal infections. The decision for a laparoscopic or open access to the abdomen should be made individually under consideration of the diagnoses and the laparoscopic training of the operating team.