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[Laparoscopic appendectomy: techniques and results in Switzerland]
1Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Laparo- und Thorakoskopische Chirurgie (ALTC), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale und Transplantationschirurgie, Inselspital, Bern.
Helvetica Chirurgica Acta
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Laparoscopic appendectomy is feasible in Switzerland, with low complication rates and short hospital stays. This minimally invasive approach for appendicitis shows promising results in surgical practice.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Assessing the current adoption and outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy in Swiss surgical institutions.
- Understanding the practical application and perceived role of this technique in managing suspected appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the attitude towards laparoscopic appendectomy in Switzerland.
- To analyze preoperative investigations, operative approaches, and outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- A survey distributed to 26 surgical institutions affiliated with the Swiss Association for Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery (SALTS).
- Data collection over a 20-month period, focusing on 457 attempted laparoscopic appendectomies across 19 institutions.
- Analysis of operative details, conversion rates, complication rates, reoperations, and hospital stay.
Main Results:
- A total of 3665 laparoscopic procedures were performed, with 457 attempted appendectomies.
- Conversion to open appendectomy occurred in 11% of cases (51 patients).
- Average operative time was 62 minutes, with a 7% postoperative complication rate (27 patients) and a 1.9% reoperation rate (8 patients). Mean hospital stay was 3.9 days.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible procedure in Switzerland with acceptable outcomes.
- The study provides insights into the current role, advantages, and disadvantages of laparoscopic appendectomy based on institutional experiences.