ENDOSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY IN CHILDHOOD - TECHNICAL ASPECTS

Since March 1992 we initially performed 87 laparoscopic appendectomies applying two cat-gut loops for ligation of the stump. Since we postop eratively found abscess formation twice, we modified the technique in the following aspects: After the introduction of the scope at the umbi licus, 2 working trocars with a diameter of a 5 mm are placed in the l eft lower quadrant of the abdomen, so that the surgeon can skeletonize the appendix bimanually until it can be dissected with an Endo-GIA. T his procedure we carried out in 41 cases and did not see any postopera tive complications yet. Thus we consider it an appropriate alternative to conventional surgery.