Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Procedure

This procedure uses several small incisions and a camera called a laparoscope to look inside the abdomen during the operation. Under anesthesia, the instruments the surgeon uses to remove the appendix are placed through several small incisions, and the laparoscope is placed through another incision.

Most cases of acute appendicitis can be treated laparoscopically. The main advantages are:

• Less post-operative pain
• Faster recovery and return to normal activity
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less, post-operative complications
• Minimally sized incisions/scars

Recovery

 In most cases, patients can be discharged within 24 to 36 hours. By contrast, the hospital stay is typically two to five days for an open procedure. Most people treated for appendicitis recover quickly and rarely need to make any changes in their diet, exercise, or lifestyle.