ABSTRACT
Seventy one patients with acute as well as recurrent subacute appendicitis were scheduled for laparoscopic appendicectomy [LA]. One was converted to open surgery [1.4%] and five had concomitant laparoscopic procedures. The remaining 65 cases were compared with 176 conventional appendicectomies [CA] done during the same time interval. LA took a significantly longer time in the operating theatre, 81.4 minutes versus 52.9 minutes for CA. Less than three days hospitalizations was encountered in 78.5% of LA and in 30.11% of CA cases [p <0.001], less than two days in 15.4% and 3.41% respectively [p <0.025%]. Return to normal activity averaged 10 days for LA and 14.4 days for CA [p <0.001]. Complications were less for LA [7.7% than for CA [13.1%], yet the difference is insignificant [p <0.05]. The cosmetic appearance was most satisfactory for the LA patients. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe operation that has the advantages of lasser hospitalization, early return to work and better cosmetic results