[Laparoscopy for appendicular syndromes in young women. Results of a prospective study].

OBJECTIVES

Determine whether laparoscopic surgery for painful syndromes of the right iliac fossa in young women can reduce the number of unnecessary appendectomies and shorten hospital stay.

METHODS

Thirty-two women (age range 15-43 years) who were admitted consecutively for "acute appendicitis" were included in a prospective study based on laparoscopic surgery for diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

There were 14 cases of acute appendicitis (all confirmed histologically), 16 cases involving extra-appendicular tissues (mainly salpingitis, n = 7) and 2 cases in which no cause was found. Two unnecessary appendectomies were performed and only one laparoscopy had to be converted to an open procedure. Mean post-operative hospitalization was 3.43 days. These findings demonstrate that laparoscopic surgery effectively reduces the rate of unnecessary appendectomies and probably the duration of hospitalization. Laparoscopic surgery should be more widely used for young women presenting with appendicular syndromes.