Background: This study examines the contribution of increased laparoscopic skills to ambulatory management of perforated appendicitis.
Methods: All 38 perforated appendicitides from 151 laparoscopic appendectomies done by one surgeon were studied and ambulatory management (discharge less than 24 hours after surgery) of the last 18 perforations reported.
Results: Over 4 years, rate of attempted laparoscopic appendectomy rose from 67% to 100% for perforations. Conversion rate fell from 100% to 22%. Ileus and pain control were not problems for most laparoscopic perforations, so by the end of 1997, experience suggested these patients might be discharged within 24 hours. Ambulatory rate was 57% (conversions excluded). There were no readmissions for wound infections or postoperative abdominal abscesses.
Conclusions: Increasing laparoscopic skills allows laparoscopic treatment of complicated appendicitis with a low conversion rate and no infectious complications. Over one half of these patients can be managed as outpatients without jeopardy to outcome.