In those clinical settings where surgical expertise and equipment are available and affordable, diagnostic laparoscopy and LA (either in combination or separately) seem to have various advantages over OA. Some of the clinical effects of LA, however, are small and of limited clinical relevance. In spite of the mediocre quality of the available research data, we would generally recommend to use laparoscopy and LA in patients with suspected appendicitis unless laparoscopy itself is contraindicated or not feasible. Especially young female, obese, and employed patients seem to benefit from LA.
Randomized controlled trial with sequential design of laparoscopic versus conventional appendicectomy.
A prospective study including 272 patients with suspected appendicitis was performed. The aims were to evaluate the representativity of the study group and to compare diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy with conventional appendicectomy.
                The study was an open, randomized, single-centre trial with sequential design. One hundred and eight patients were randomized between laparoscopy or conventional appendicectomy, of whom 84 had acute appendicitis. Duration of postoperative convalescence was the major endpoint.
                The study patients were representative of the eligible population regarding age and stage of appendicitis. The risk of unnecessary appendicectomy was significantly (P = 0.03) lower after laparoscopy. The mean difference in duration of postoperative convalescence was 4.7 days in favour of of laparoscopic appendicectomy (P = 0.07), and 26 min in duration of operation in favour of conventional appendicectomy (P < 0.01). No differences were detected in postoperative hospital stay, pain assessment or complications.
                The laparoscopic procedure is at least as good as conventional appendicectomy. Initial laparoscopy reduces the rate of misdiagnosis.