Laparoscopic Appendectomy

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Intro & Advantages - Scope It Out!

  • Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LA):

    • Minimally invasive surgical removal of the vermiform appendix.
    • Procedure: Uses 3-4 small ports (5-10mm), laparoscope (camera), specialized instruments.
    • Often preferred for acute appendicitis, especially in young females & obese patients.
  • Advantages: LA vs. Open Appendectomy (OA)

    FeatureLaparoscopic (LA)Open (OA)
    Post-op Pain↓ Significantly Less↑ More
    Hospital Stay↓ Shorter (e.g., 1-2 days)↑ Longer (3-5 days)
    Recovery Time↓ Faster return to activity↑ Slower
    Cosmetic Outcome↑ Better (minimal scarring)↓ Poorer (larger scar)
    Wound Infection Risk↓ Reduced↑ Higher
    Diagnostic Ability↑ Superior (full view)Limited exploration

⭐ LA is considered the gold standard for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in adults, offering significant benefits over open surgery.

Pre-op & Scoring - Ready for Action!

  • Pre-op: H&P, labs (CBC, LFT, RFT), USG/CT. NPO. Prophylactic IV antibiotics (e.g., Cefazolin + Metronidazole) 30-60 mins pre-incision. Informed consent.
  • Scoring Systems:
    • Alvarado (📌 MANTRELS): Score >7 indicates high probability.
    • AIR Score: Score 9-12 suggests high risk.
  • Positioning: Supine, left arm tucked.

⭐ Diagnostic laparoscopy is particularly valuable in young females of reproductive age presenting with right iliac fossa pain to differentiate from gynecological pathologies.

Technique & Ports - The Main Snip!

  • Pneumoperitoneum:
    • CO₂ insufflation to 12-15 mmHg.
    • Access: Umbilical (Veress needle or Hasson open technique).
  • Port Placement: (📌 "Baseball Diamond")
    • Optical (10/12mm): Umbilical (camera).
    • Working (5mm) x2: LLQ (main dissection), Suprapubic (retraction).
    • Laparoscopic Appendectomy Port Placement
  • Key Surgical Steps:

⭐ The critical view of safety for appendectomy involves clear circumferential dissection and identification of the appendiceal base at its junction with the cecum before division.

Complications & CIs - Watch These Spots!

  • Complications:
    • Intra-op: Bleeding, bowel injury.
    • Early Post-op: Port infection, intra-abdominal abscess (IAA).
    • Late: Port-site hernia, stump appendicitis.
  • Contraindications (CIs):
    • Absolute: Hemodynamic instability.
    • Relative: Severe peritonitis, advanced pregnancy, extensive adhesions, coagulopathy.
ComplicationTypePreventionManagement
Port InfectionEarlyAsepsis, antibioticsLocal care, antibiotics
IAAEarlyLavage, secure stumpDrainage, antibiotics
Port-site HerniaLateClose fascia >10 mm portsSurgical repair

Stump appendicitis, though rare, is an important delayed complication if the appendiceal stump is left too long (typically >0.5 cm).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Laparoscopic appendectomy is the gold standard for most acute appendicitis cases.
  • Key benefits: ↓ pain, ↓ hospital stay, ↓ wound infections, better cosmesis.
  • Pneumoperitoneum (CO2: 10-15 mmHg) via Veress needle or Hasson technique.
  • Common 3-port placement: umbilical (camera), suprapubic, and Left Lower Quadrant.
  • Mesoappendix and appendiceal base managed with staplers, clips, or endoloops.
  • Risk of intra-abdominal abscess may be , especially in perforated appendicitis.
  • Convert to open for dense adhesions, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficult anatomy.

Practice Questions: Laparoscopic Appendectomy

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Which of the following is NOT a CONTRAINDICATION for laparoscopic surgery:

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Flashcards: Laparoscopic Appendectomy

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The procedure shown below is called _____ (POEM)

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The procedure shown below is called _____ (POEM)

peroral endoscopic myotomy

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