Stumped; the Achilles of Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Excerpt

Mc Burney described a surgical technique that was quick, easy and inexpensive with low rates of morbidity and mortality.1,2 It remained the gold standard for the next century. However, the introduction of laparoscopic appendectomy in the 1980s advanced the tide of change toward minimally invasive surgery.3 Its popularity evolved at a time when there was an emphasis on “new” techniques coupled with reduced length of stay in hospital. The advantages of the approach included better visualization of the abdomen, less post-operative pain, faster recovery, reduced hospital stay, better cosmesis, and reduced wound infections.4,5 The role of diagnostic laparoscopy became favoured by many surgeons as they were able to inspect the abdominal cavity initially and avoid appendectomy if appendicitis was not found. …