Appendicitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Appendicitis, including details on symptoms, surgery, causes, treatment.

Training in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Sweeney KJ, Dillon M, Johnston SM, Keane FB, Conlon KC

Department of Surgery, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. karlsweeney@eircom.net

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in surgical training is unclear. Although LA as a therapeutic modality is potentially superior to open surgery, it has failed to become established as standard in training hospitals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of LA performed by inexperienced surgeons in a training environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all attempted LA performed over a 12-month period was undertaken. Data collected included operator grade (experienced and inexperienced), conversion rate and duration of surgery, complications, and postoperative stay. RESULTS: During the study period, 169 appendectomies were performed. The conversion rate to open surgery declined significantly from 28% in the first quarter to 9% in the last quarter, with no difference in the conversion rate between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Operative time shortened significantly in the inexperienced group. Postoperative complications occurred in 8% of patients, independent of operative grade. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that LA may be safely introduced as a teaching procedure. Time-to-train should not preclude institutions from adopting the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of acute appendicitis.

Published 20 February 2006 in World J Surg, 30(3): 358-63.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Appendicitis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.