Abstract

MORALES URIBE, Carlos Hernando. Open or laparoscopic appendectomy?. rev. colomb. cir. [online]. 2004, vol.19, n.1, pp.17-22. ISSN 2011-7582.

In the midst of the laparoscopic era several questions arise in regard to the role of the laparoscopic evaluation of the abdominal cavity oriented toward establishing the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and also regarding the laparoscopic surgical treatment of this entity. Analysis of the literature shows that the use of laparoscopy increments the diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute abdominal pain and the suspicion of appendicitis, and that one could recommend laparoscopic treatment in those patients with suspected acute appendicitis, except in cases of perforation or gangrene, in whom there is greater risk of postoperative abdominal abscess. Two decades after the introduction of this novel method of performing appendectomy, some issues generate controversy: what is the role of laparoscopy as diagnostic method in acute appendicitis? Should the appendix be excised when it appears normal at laparoscopic exploration? What is the preferred approach in patients with suspected appendicitis?

Keywords : Acute appendicitis; diagnosis; laparoscopy; treatment.

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