Laparoscopic Appendectomy Using a 5 mm Scope / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: This clinical research was performed to determine the safety of laparoscopic appendectomy using a 5 mm scope by comparing the outcomes with open appendectomy. METHOD: We examined the medical records of 441 patients that underwent either laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) or open appendectomy (OA) from March 2005 to August 2007. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and compared: age, gender, days of hospitalization, operation time, time to oraldiet, complications, and readmission, between the LA and OA groups. RESULTS: Among the 441 patients that were diagnosed with appendicitis, LA was attempted in 332 patients; 325 (73.7%) of them received the procedure. One hundred-nine patients (24.7%) received an OA. There were no differences in operation time (p=0.072), length of hospitalization, and complication or re-admission rates; however the time to oral diet (p=0.025) was earlier in patients in the LA group. There were no differences in the outcomes of patients that had an uncomplicated appendicitis and received LA or OA; however patients diagnosed with complicated appendicitis had a shorter length of hospitalization after a LA compared to those that had an OA (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in safety between the laparoscopic appendectomy using a 5 mm scope and an open appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy using a 5 mm scope provided a better cosmetic outcome.

Single Incision Three Ports Laparoscopic Appendectomy / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is becoming popular for the treatment of acute appendicitis. The laparoscopic appendectomy has the advantages of a more rapid recovery, better cosmetic outcome and reduced postoperative pain compared to the open appendectomy. Several laparoscopic procedures have been described that used two or more trocars. We present the results of a new LA technique that performed through three ports in a single incision. METHODS: A single incision three-port LA was performed in 10 patients. Under general anesthesia, a 5 mm scope (0degrees), 2 mm working port and 5 mm working port were inserted through the umbilicus. The appendix was grasped and dissected from the surrounding tissues with a grasper or dissector. The base of the appendix was ligated with an endo-loop two times and cut by scissors. The appendix was then withdrawn through the umbilicus. RESULTS: The average operating time in our series was 69.5+/-23.3 minutes and the median time to discharge 4.5+/-1.9 days. Wound infection developed in two patients. There was no conversion to traditional LA or laparotomy. CONCLUSION: A single incision three port LA was safe and effective for LA. The availability of laparoscopic procedures has expanded the range of options available from which to choose a suitable procedure for individual cases.

Gallbladder Perforation without Gallstones or Cholecystitis

A case of gallbladder perforation without cholecystitis or trauma is described herein. The patient was a 74-year-old woman who initially presented with right lower quadrant pain of the abdomen. A laparotomy was performed with the impression of an acute appendicitis at a local clinic. However, the appendix was normal and a large amount of bile was noted in the peritoneal cavity. The patient was referred to our hospital. An exploratory laparotomy was performed with the suspicion of a hollow viscous perforation. A pin point perforation of the gallbladder fundus was identified. There were no gallstones or definite inflammation of the gallbladder wall. Although gallbladder perforation without cholecystitis or trauma is rare, gallbladder perforation without cholecystitis should be considered in elderly patients with bile peritonitis of unknown etiology.