Efficacy of routine laparoscopy for the acute abdomen.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery of selected acute abdominal conditions has been shown to be highly effective. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy of routine laparoscopic surgery for the acute abdomen.

METHODS

After appropriate investigations, patients with acute abdomen, with or without a specific diagnosis, were offered the options of either laparoscopic or open surgery. Postoperatively, we analyzed the outcome measures of diagnostic accuracy, complications, and operating time of laparoscopy. The hospital stays for our patients were compared to case-matched controls.

RESULTS

The accuracy of laparoscopic diagnosis is the same as laparotomy. The 62% of our patients who were managed totally laparoscopically required shorter hospitalization than the case-matched controls treated by open operation. Morbidity was not increased by laparoscopy in patients who required conversion to open operation. The additional cost of laparoscopy appeared modest.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine laparoscopy for the acute abdomen is safe and accurate. Patients eligible for laparoscopic treatment also require less hospitalization time.