When surgery is required for appendicitis or unexplained right iliac fossa pain, laparoscopic surgery has become the preferred approach for many patients.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Instead of one large cut, the surgeon performs the operation through three or four very small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments.
Potential benefits
Research has shown several advantages in suitable patients:
- smaller scars;
- less pain after surgery;
- lower wound infection rates;
- earlier walking;
- a shorter hospital stay;
- a faster return to normal activities; and
- better cosmetic results.
These are general advantages rather than guaranteed outcomes. Recovery depends on the condition and the individual patient.
An important diagnostic advantage
Sometimes the appendix appears normal. With laparoscopy, the surgeon can inspect the abdomen and may identify other causes such as:
- ovarian disease;
- Meckel’s diverticulum;
- Crohn’s disease;
- internal hernia; and
- pelvic infection.
This wider inspection is more difficult through a small open incision.
Is laparoscopy suitable for everyone?
No. Patients with severe infection, unstable medical conditions or previous complex abdominal surgery may require an open operation. The surgeon will recommend the safest approach after clinical assessment.
Laparoscopic surgery combines diagnostic inspection with treatment and is a preferred approach for many, but not all, patients with suspected appendicitis.