Published in:
01-07-2003 | Original article
The use of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies
Authors:
B. Kirshtein, A. Roy-Shapira, L. Lantsberg, S. Mandel, E. Avinoach, S. Mizrahi
Published in:
Surgical Endoscopy
|
Issue 7/2003
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Abstract
Background: The purpose of this article is to describe our experience using laparoscopy in the management of emergent and acute abdominal conditions. Methods: Between March 1997 and November 2001, 277 consecutive minimally invasive procedures were performed for various nontrauma surgical emergencies. The indications for operation were nonspecific abdominal pain in 129 cases (46%), peritonitis in 64 cases (23%), small bowel obstruction in 52 cases (19%), complications after previous surgery or invasive procedures in 24 cases (9%), and sepsis of unknown origin in 8 cases (3%). Results: Laparoscopy obtained a correct diagnosis in 98.6% of the cases. In 207 patients (75%), the procedure was completed laparoscopically. An additional 35 patients (12.5%) required a target incision. The remaining 35 patients (12.5%) underwent formal laparotomy. The morbidity rate was 5.8%. No laparoscopy-related mortality was observed. Conclusions: For patients with abdominal emergencies, the laparoscopic approach provides diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic options, avoids extensive preoperative studies, averts delays in operative intervention, and appears to reduce morbidity.