The cul-de-sac approach for appendectomy.

Appendectomy through the peritoneal cul-de-sac by a low transverse incision as described herein is perfectly safe and practical. It is also easier and esthetically superior to appendectomy through other surgical approaches and could be routinely used in patients suspected of having acute appendicitis. It is particularly valuable in female patients in whom the pelvic organs may need exploration during appendectomy and for whom the postoperative esthetic result may be most gratifying.