Laparoscopic Appendicectomy Case Study

The appendix is a non-functioning, narrow tube that hangs from the first part of the large intestine. Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, is one of the most common surgical problems affecting up to one in every 2000 people. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is an operation to remove the inflammed appendix that would otherwise cause pain and may burst inside the body. This operation has replaced the traditional open appendicectomy where the appendix used to be removed via an incision at the right lower abdomen.

In a laparoscopic appendicectomy, the patient is put completely to sleep with general anaesthetia. They are positioned lying flat on the operating table. The surgeon normally makes 3 small incisions, each about half an inch long, on the abdomen. Through these incisions, he inserts specialised ports that allow him to inflate the abdomen with air and then
Possible complications from this operation include, but are not limited to, wound infections, blood clots in the leg and a temporary slowing down or obstruction of intestinal function. The edge of the large intestine where the appendix was removed may leak and other organs inside the abdomen may be accidentally injured during the operation.

Laparoscopic appendicectomy is used more commonly than open appendectomy because it minimises the amount of pain, has better cosmetic results, allows the patient to return home faster and perform his normal activities earlier.

However, despite its numerous benefits, not everyone is a candidate for a laparoscopic appendicectomy. During the operation, the surgeon needs to assess the level of difficulty in removing the appendix. It may be so severely inflamed that he may still have to convert to the open surgery. Obese patients, patients with multiple abdominal operations in the past, and patients with bleeding abnormalities may also not be considered for laparoscopic