Laparoscopic appendectomy in children

Initially the author began performing laparoscopic appendectomy in May 1988. From January 15, 1991 through June 1, 1992, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center. The ages ranged from 3 to 16 years. There were 28 cases of acute appendicitis, eight of which were perforated. The remaining 23 appendectomies were performed for chronic abdominal pain with incidental appendectomy being performed during diagnostic laparoscopy.