[The importance and role of laparoscopic appendectomy]

Inspite of earlier beginning the laparoscopic appendectomy is in the shadow of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In connection with laparoscopic appendectomy some problems are discussed--his significance or substantiality, techniques, advantages or disadvantages in contrast to classical appendectomy. The authors discussed these questions on the base of their own experiences with 56 laparoscopic appendectomies. These were done from 21. October 1992 to 7. February 1994. Known advantages of laparoscopic procedures are expressed--shorter hospital stay after the operation (in average 2.3 days), better view in the operating field with possibility of the treatment of gynecological pathology. Technical aspects are also discussed. The equipment with staplers according their opinion is needed. The time of the operations--average 44 minutes--is acceptable. The complication and conversion rate, which were noted in 3.6% resp. 5.3%, is quite good. There is a possibility to lower these numbers with increasing experience. The possibility for training in the laparoscopic field is great opportunity especially for young surgeons. In the end there is stated, that the authors consider laparoscopic appendectomy as an important step to the advanced procedures. The broad acceptance is recommended.