Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy

Laparoscopy has allowed surgeons the ability to perform procedures which result in less postoperative discomfort, earlier return to daily activities, and better cosmesis. For example, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has virtually replaced open cholecystectomy, and many of these operations are performed in the outpatient setting. The role of laparoscopic appendectomy is yet to be defined, however. Over an 18-month period from February 1992 to July 1993, 75 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles. Thirty-five of the patients undergoing this procedure were outpatients. While there were a total of three complications, including two intraabdominal abscesses, there were no complications in the outpatient appendectomy group. Laparoscopic appendectomy may be safely performed in the outpatient setting in patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis.