OUTPATIENT LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY

Laparoscopy has allowed surgeons the ability to perform procedures whi ch result in less postoperative discomfort, earlier return to daily ac tivities, and better cosmesis. For example, laparoscopic cholecystecto my has virtually replaced open cholecystectomy, and many of these oper ations are performed in the outpatient setting. The role of laparoscop ic appendectomy is yet to be defined, however. Over an 18-month period from February 1992 to July 1993, 75 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles. Thirty-f ive of the patients undergoing this procedure were outpatients. While there were a total of three complications, including two intraabdomina l abscesses, there were no complications in the outpatient appendectom y group. Laparoscopic appendectomy may be safely performed in the outp atient setting in patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis.