The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Feb 2012
Comparative StudyOutpatient laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is the widely accepted treatment for acute appendicitis. This approach offers the potential of less pain, shorter hospital stay, and quicker return to activities. Traditionally, patients are hospitalized for 24 hours after laparoscopic appendectomy. ⋯ Complications included superficial wound infections, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, intra-abdominal bleeding, pneumonia, and infected hematoma. Based upon this study, outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy can be performed safely in selected patients. This study provides the background for the present prospective protocol for routine outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy at our institution.