RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results obtained with the laparoscopic appendectomy in a trial of 106 cases from 1997 to December of 2002 in a surgeons group. Comparing the results with the papers of the literature to qualified the safety and security of the method and to establish the advantages upon the open appendectomy. BACKGROUND DATA: The laparoscopic appendectomy is a technique that in the past ten years has proof its safety and efficacy to resolve the problems of vermiform appendix. METHODS: Prospective trial of 106 patients with probability or diagnosis of acute appendicitis approach to laparoscopic appendectomy. With statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: 106 patients, 42 male and 62 female, average age 30.8, diagnosis of acute appendicitis before surgery of 70%, and with abdominal pain in 30%. Of the data obtained only the total count of leucocytes have the statistical value in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The average of surgical time was of 70.7 minutes, the average of length of hospital stay was of 74 hours. Diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 83% of the cases, normal appendix 10.3%, another pathology 6.7%. Conversion rate of 5.5% (6 patients). Abscess 3, peritonitis 1, hemorrhage 1, appendix rupture 1. Morbidity of 3.7% wound infection. Mortality 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical indications for the laparoscopic appendectomy are the same that for open surgery. The technique is safe and effective that can be carried out in any patient, still in cases or perforated appendicitis or gangrenous. The success is depend of the experience of the surgical team. The wound infection, recovery time, postoperative pain are less in the laparoscopic appendectomy.