Laparoscopic Appendectomy

On this page

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.
Rezzy AI Tutor

Have doubts about this lesson?

Ask Rezzy, our AI tutor, to explain anything you didn't understand

Practice Questions: Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Test your understanding with these related questions

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

1 of 5

Flashcards: Laparoscopic Appendectomy

1/9

The procedure shown below is called _____ (POEM)

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The procedure shown below is called _____ (POEM)

peroral endoscopic myotomy

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start For Free