ABSTRACT
The use of laparoscopic surgery tends to become more and more popular, nowadays. It has also been extended in the management of acute abdominal disease as a diagnostic and as a therapeutic tool. However, its therapeutic use requires special experience and appropriate instrumentation, in addition to a reliable definite diagnosis. Based on randomized, controlled trials, it can be postulated that laparoscopic surgery in acute abdomen is feasible, safe and effective in acute cholecystitis, acute appendicitis and gastroduodenal ulcer perforation. There are still conflicting aspects in perforated diverticular disease and small bowel obstruction. In case of purulent peritonitis attention must be paid in order to avoid residual abscess formation and sepsis by thorough irrigation of the peritoneal cavity and on time antibiotic therapy. The proper indication for each case under the certain emergency circumstances is crucial.