Review. Laparoscopic appendicectomy: current status

Laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA), has failed to gain unequivocal acceptance by the general surgical community as an alternative to open appendicectomy (OA). This is because the early postoperative recovery leading to quicker hospital discharge, which led to the worldwide acceptance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, has not been universally seen with LA. Moreover, in the majority of the published series of LAs, there seems to be a trend towards an increased incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses. However, laparoscopy is superior to the 'watch and wait' policy where the diagnosis of appendicitis is questionable. Furthermore, since a large incision can be avoided by using the LA technique in obese patients, the incidence of postoperative morbidity can be reduced considerably. Nevertheless, before endorsing routine and widespread use of LA, it is essential that this technique is critically evaluated in well-designed, controlled, randomised trials, showing clearly the major benefits to the patient in terms of quicker hospital discharge, reduced postoperative pain, decreased wound infection and early return to full activities. Laparoscopic appendicectomy will never replace all open appendicectomies, but should become an alternative in certain groups of patients.